Professional Documents
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1800 E 54th Street
Davenport, IA
(563) 355-0600
2315 Roosevelt Street
Clinton, IA
(563) 242-3571
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7,2011 18 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7, 2011 19 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
The Christmas Music of Mannheim
Steamroller, modern-day rock, acoustic and
electronic music in a production by Chip Davis; $39-
56; for tickets. call 800-745-3000, Adler Theatre, 136
E. 3rd St., Davenport, IA, http://www.adlertheatre.
com, 7:30pm Wed Dec 21.
Home for the Holidays II, benefit concert
for the Johnson County Crisis Center Food Bank;
featuring a silent auction, a canned food drive,
and music by Euforquestra, Dennis McMurrin & the
Demolition Band, and David Zollo; $10-15, Gabes,
330 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA, http://www.
iowacitygabes.com, 9pm Fri Dec 23.
Night Fever: The Bee Gees Tribute &
ABBAMANIA, at 8 & 10pm; tribute bands in concert;
for information, call 319-648-1234, Riverside Casino
and Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside, IA,
http://www.riversidecasinoandresort.com, Wed
Dec 28 and Thu Dec 29.
Jim Brickman: A Christmas Celebration, multi-
platinum selling recording artist in his holiday
concert; $27-67; for tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria,
IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com, 7pm Thu
Dec 29.
Winter Blues Jam Concert, the participants in
this years sessions strut their stuff; following the
jam, Hal Reed and Ellis Kell will select a group of
Winter Blues All-Stars to perform in the BlueSkool
Tent at the 2012 Mississippi Valley Blues Festival
and as the opening act for blues guitarist Samantha
Fish in the Redstone Room on January 13; $5; for
information, call 563-326-1333, The Redstone
Room, 129 Main St, Davenport, IA, http://www.
redstoneroom.com, 6pm Fri Dec 30.
Remember the King: Elvis through the Years,
a salute to Elvis Presley from the 1950s, the 68
comeback special, and the Vegas years; for tickets
and information, call 309-786-7733, extension 2,
Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 3rd Ave., Rock
Island, IL, http://www.circa21.com, Sat Dec 31.
Dr. Zhivegas, popular Midwestern dance
band, with hot appetizers from 8-10pm, party
favors, a champagne fountain, a balloon drop at
midnight, and more; $30-$45; for information, call
800-724-5825, Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention
Center, 1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf, IA, http://
bettendorf.isleofcapricasinos.com/happenings-
entertainment.aspx, 8pm Sat Dec 31.
Family Groove Company, New Years Eve show
with the jazz, funk, and rock musicians in concert;
$20-25; for tickets and information, call 563-326-
1333, The Redstone Room, 129 Main St, Davenport,
IA, http://www.redstoneroom.com, 9pm Sat Dec 31.
January
Samantha Fish, 22-year-old blues singer-
songwriter in concert; $10; for information, call
563-326-1333, The Redstone Room, 129 Main St,
Davenport, IA, http://www.redstoneroom.com,
8pm Fri Jan 13.
The Manny Lopez Big Band, Lopez and his 13
piece big band will be playing all your favorites
from the Big Band era; featuring hits from Glenn
Miller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Henry
Mancini, and Stan Kenton; $10-$12; for tickets and
information, call 309-786-7733, extension 2, The
Circa 21 Speakeasy, 1818 3rd Ave., Rock Island, IL,
http://www.circa21.com, 6pm Fri Jan 13.
Honor Band Festival Finale Concert, free; for
information, call 309-794-7233, Centennial Hall,
Augustana College, 3703 7th Ave., Rock Island, IL,
http://www.augustana.edu, 6:30pm Mon Jan 16.
Senior Day: Silver Tones, performance with
quartet that plays old-time music from the 30s, 40s,
and 50s; refreshments served; free; for information,
cal 563-344-4175, Bettendorf Public Library, 2950
Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA, http://www.
bettendorflibrary.com, 1:30pm Thu Jan 19.
The Java Jews, an evening of Klezmer music with
this seven-piece, highly caffeinated ensemble;
free; for information, call 309-524-2470, Moline
Public Library, 3210 41st St, Moline, IL, http://www.
molinelibrary.com, 7pm Thu Jan 19.
Augustana Percussion Ensemble Concert,
free; for information, call 309-794-7233, Bergendoff
Hall - Augustana College, 3701 7th Ave., Rock Island,
IL, http://www.augustana.edu/academics/music/
department/?id=25, 7:30pm Fri Jan 20.
Rascal Flatts, platinum-selling recording artists
in concert with special guests Sara Evans and
Hunter Hayes; $25.25-56.25; for tickets, call 800-
745-3000, Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson
Ave, Peoria, IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com,
7:30pm Fri Jan 20.
Bucktown Revue, an old-fashioned radio show
on stage, with hosts the Barley House Band and
emcee Scott Tunnicliff; $10; for information, e-mail
mgromkey@gmail.com, Nighswander Theatre,
2822 Eastern Ave, Davenport, IA, http://www.
bucktownrevue.com, 7pm Fri Jan 20.
The Lyrebird Ensemble, a presentation in the
Quad City Symphony Orchestra Signature Series;
musicians Ellen Huntington and Lillian Lau perform
hidden gems from the flute and harp repertoire; $7-
$18; for information and tickets, call 563-322-7276,
Figge Art Museum, 225 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA,
http://www.qcsymphony.com, 8pm Sat Jan 21.
Three Hits and a Miss, at 2 & 7:30pm; pop-
music chart-toppers from the mid-1950s through
the mid-1980s; a concert in the Cedar Rapids
Community Concert Associations 2011-2012
season; for information, call 319-540-2301, Cedar
Rapids Prairie High School, 401 76th Ave., Cedar
Rapids, IA, http://www.crcommunityconcerts.org,
Sat Jan 21.
David Malis, opera and musical-theatre favorites
with the famed baritone, accompanied by Steve
Berg on organ and Werner Elmker on piano; for
tickets and information, call 641-472-2787, Stephen
Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts, Fairfield
Arts & Convention Center, Fairfield, IA, http://www.
FairfieldACC.com, 7:30pm Tue Jan 24.
Peter Yarrow, concert with the Grammy Award-
winning singer-songwriter of Peter, Paul, & Mary;
a presentation in the Live at the Temple series; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, Civic Center of Greater
Des Moines Temple Theater, 10th & Locust St., Des
Moines, IA, http://www.civiccenter.org, 7:30pm Tue
Jan 24.
Peter Yarrow, concert with the legendary
performer from Peter, Paul and Mary; $36-41; for
tickets and information, call 319-364-1580, CSPS/
Legion Arts, 1103 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, http://
www.legionarts.org, 7pm Wed Jan 25.
Buddy Olson, a brown-bag concert; free; for
information, call 563-344-4175, Bettendorf Public
Library, 2950 Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA,
http://www.bettendorflibrary.com, noon Fri Jan 27.
Turn of the Screw, performance with the
University of Iowa Opera department, based on Henry
James novel and directed by Alan Hicks; Fri & Sat
8pm, Sun 2pm; $5-20; for information and tickets, call
319-688-2653, Englert Theatre, 221 East Washington
St., Iowa City, IA, http://www.performingarts.uiowa.
edu, Fri Jan 27 thru Sun Jan 29.
Night Ranger, classic pop-rock performers of
Sister Christian in concert; $25-35; for tickets and
information, call 877-677-3456, Riverside Casino
Event Center, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside, IA,
http://www.riversidecasinoandresort.com, 8pm
Sat Jan 28.
UI Honor Choir Concert, free, Iowa Memorial
Union, 125 N. Madison St., Iowa City, IA, http://www.
performingarts.uiowa.edu, 7pm Mon Jan 30.
Faculty Recital: Sangeetha Rayapati, Soprano,
free; for information, call 309-794-7233, Denkmann
Memorial Hall - Augustana College, 3520 7th Ave.,
Rock Island, IL, http://www.augustana.edu, 8pm
Tue Jan 31.
February
Stew & the Negro Problem, the Tony Award
winner in a genre-defying rock-pop-funk-punk-
cabaret; a Hancher Auditorium presentation;
$12.50-$30; for tickets and information, call 319-
335-1160, Englert Theatre, 221 East Washington
St., Iowa City, IA, http://www.hancher.uiowa.edu,
7:30pm Thu Feb 2.
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4501 4501 4501 4501 7t h Avenue, Rock I sl and ~ 309. 786. 6333 ~ st j ohnsri . org 7t h Avenue, Rock I sl and ~ 309. 786. 6333 ~ st j ohnsri . org 7t h Avenue, Rock I sl and ~ 309. 786. 6333 ~ st j ohnsri . org 7t h Avenue, Rock I sl and ~ 309. 786. 6333 ~ st j ohnsri . org
St . John s Lut heran Church ~ ELCA ~ RIC St . John s Lut heran Church ~ ELCA ~ RIC St . John s Lut heran Church ~ ELCA ~ RIC St . John s Lut heran Church ~ ELCA ~ RIC
v.. vi:.. L..}i: c....: v.. vi:.. L..}i: c....: v.. vi:.. L..}i: c....: v.. vi:.. L..}i: c....:
presented by Hersong, the Quad Cities Womens Chorus
Saturday, December 3 ~ 6:00 p.m.
v.i:i }.. :|. !i|: v.i:i }.. :|. !i|: v.i:i }.. :|. !i|: v.i:i }.. :|. !i|:
featuring the Edgar Crockett Jazz Trio
Sunday, December 4 ~ 6:30 p.m.
ADMISSION
Freewill donation to benefit theplace2be, a safe haven
for our communitys youth (theplace2be.org)
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7,2011 20 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
The Official Blues Brothers Revue, a concert
tribute to the music and comedy of Jake and
Elwood, in the only Blues Brothers show to be
officially sanctioned by Dan Aykroyd and the John
Belushi estate; for tickets
and information, call
641-472-2787, Stephen
Sondheim Center for the
Performing Arts, Fairfield
Arts & Convention Center,
Fairfield, IA, http://www.
FairfieldACC.com, 7:30pm
Thu Feb 2.
Augustana Jazz
Ensemble Concert, free;
for information, call 309-
794-7233, Centennial Hall,
Augustana College, 3703
7th Ave., Rock Island, IL,
http://www.augustana.
edu, 8pm Fri Feb 3.
Honors Scholarship
Recital, free; for
information, call 309-
794-7233, Denkmann
Memorial Hall -
Augustana College, 3520
7th Ave., Rock Island, IL,
http://www.augustana.
edu, 7pm Fri Feb 3.
Augustana Four
Choirs Concert, free; for
information, call 309-794-
7233, Centennial Hall,
Augustana College, 3703
7th Ave., Rock Island, IL,
http://www.augustana.
edu, 4pm Sat Feb 4.
Guy Davis, concert
with acclaimed bluesman
and Broadway star of
Finians Rainbow; a
presentation in the Live
at the Temple series; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Civic Center of Greater
Des Moines Temple
Theater, 10th & Locust
St., Des Moines, IA, http://
www. ci vi ccenter. org,
7:30pm Mon Feb 6.
Guy Davis, concert
with the legendary
bluesman; $14-18; for
tickets and information,
call 319-364-1580, CSPS/
Legion Arts, 1103 3rd
St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA,
http://www.legionarts.
org, 7pm Tue Feb 7.
Augustana Jazz
Combo Soiree, free; for
information, call 309-
794-7233, Denkmann
Memorial Hall -
Augustana College, 3520
7th Ave., Rock Island, IL,
http://www.augustana.
edu, 8pm Wed Feb 8.
Burlesque to
Broadway, Quinn
Lemley brings to life the
songs and music of all
the characters from the
gilded time when Mae
West, Sally Rand, Gypsy
Rose Lee, and others were
captivating audiences; for
tickets and information,
call 641-472-2787, Stephen Sondheim Center for
the Performing Arts, Fairfield Arts & Convention
Center, Fairfield, IA, http://www.FairfieldACC.com,
7:30pm Fri Feb 10.
Chucho Valds and the Afro-Cuban
Messengers, Latin jazz with the renowned Cuban
pianist and Grammy Award winner; a Hancher
Auditorium presentation; $16-$37; for tickets and
information, call 319-335-1160, Englert Theatre,
221 East Washington St., Iowa City, IA, http://www.
hancher.uiowa.edu, 7:30pm Fri Feb 10.
A u g u s t a n a
Concert Band, free; for
information, call 309-794-
7233, Centennial Hall,
Augustana College, 3703
7th Ave., Rock Island, IL,
http://www.augustana.
edu, 2pm Sat Feb 11.
Peter Cetera,
Grammy-winning singer-
songwriter of The Glory
of Love and The Next
Time I Fallin concert; $40-
50; for information and
tickets, call 877-677-3456,
Riverside Casino Event
Center, 3184 Highway 22,
Riverside, IA, http://www.
riversidecasinoandresort.
com, 8pm Sat Feb 11.
Quad City Symphony
Orchestra: Masterworks
IV - Valentines Day,
with guest conductor
Alondra de la Parra, guest
guitarist Robert Belinic,
and a program featuring
R i ms k y - K o r s a k o v s
Scheherazade,Rodrigos
Concierto de Aranjuez,
and Ravels Bolero; for
tickets and information,
call 563-322-7276, Adler
Theatre, 136 E. 3rd St.,
Davenport, IA, http://
www.qcsymphony.com,
7:30pm Sat Feb 11.
Sun and Moon, Sea
and Sky, winter concert
with the vocal ensemble
the Nova Singers; $12-
$16, students free; for
information and tickets,
call 309-341-7038 or e-
mail nova@knox.edu,
First Lutheran Church
- Galesburg, 364 E. Water
St., Galesburg, IL, http://
departments.knox.edu/
novasingers/concerts.
html, 7:30pm Sat Feb 11.
UI Arts Share
Percussion Concert,
free, Riverside Recital
Hall, 405 N Riverside Dr.,
Iowa City, IA, http://www.
performingarts.uiowa.
edu, 3pm Sat Feb 11.
UI Center for New
Music Ensemble, free,
Riverside Recital Hall,
405 N Riverside Dr., Iowa
City, IA, http://www.
performingarts.uiowa.
edu, 7:30pm Sun Feb 12.
Bottom Line Duo,
double-bass and cell
duo; a concert in the
Cedar Rapids Community
Concert Associations
2011-2012 season; for
information, call 319-
540-2301, Cedar Rapids
Prairie High School,
401 76th Ave., Cedar
Rapids, IA, http://www.
crcommunityconcerts.org, 3pm Sun Feb 12.
Lorrie Morgan, country-music and Grand
Ole Opry star in concert; $15-25; for tickets and
information, call 877-677-3456, Riverside Casino
Event Center, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside, IA, http://
www.riversidecasinoandresort.com, 4pm Sun Feb
12.
Quad City Symphony Orchestra: Masterworks
IV - Valentines Day, with guest conductor
Alondra de la Parra, guest guitarist Robert Belinic,
and a program featuring Rimsky-Korsakovs
Scheherazade, Rodrigos Concierto de Aranjuez,
and Ravels Bolero; for tickets and information,
call 563-322-7276, Centennial Hall, Augustana
College, 3703 7th Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://www.
qcsymphony.com, 2pm Sun Feb 12.
Sun and Moon, Sea and Sky, winter concert
with the vocal ensemble the Nova Singers; $12-
$16, students free; for information and tickets,
call 309-341-7038 or e-mail nova@knox.edu, St.
Paul Lutheran Church - Davenport, 2136 Brady
St., Davenport, IA, http://departments.knox.edu/
novasingers/concerts.html, 4pm Sun Feb 12.
Zoe Keating, one-woman orchestra who uses
a cello and foot-controlled laptop to record layer
upon layer of cello, creating intricate, haunting,
and compelling music; $15-18; for tickets and
information, call 319-688-2653, Englert Theatre,
221 East Washington St., Iowa City, IA, http://www.
englert.org, 8pm Mon Feb 13.
Peoria Symphony Orchestra Presents
Valentines Day: The Romantic Gershwins,
pianist Dr. Richard Kogan and friends present
Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris, and
many other song favorites; $25-$60; for information
and tickets, call 309-671-1096, Peoria Civic Center,
201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL, http://www.
peoriaciviccenter.com, 8pm Tue Feb 14.
Gaelic Storm, standards and originals with the
acclaimed Celtic musicians; $25-35; for tickets and
information, call 319-688-2653, Englert Theatre,
221 East Washington St., Iowa City, IA, http://www.
englert.org, 8pm Thu Feb 16.
The Whoozdads, a brown-bag lunch concert;
free; for information, call 563-344-4175, Bettendorf
Public Library, 2950 Learning Campus, Bettendorf,
IA, http://www.bettendorflibrary.com, 12pm Fri
Feb 17.
Bucktown Revue, an old-fashioned radio show
on stage, with hosts the Barley House Band and
emcee Scott Tunnicliff; $10; for information, e-mail
mgromkey@gmail.com, Nighswander Theatre,
2822 Eastern Ave, Davenport, IA, http://www.
bucktownrevue.com, 7pm Fri Feb 17.
DRUM! Electrifying Music, Rhythms, & Dance,
a fusion of music, dance, poetry, video, rhythm and
songs, featuring 20 musicians, dancers, drummers,
and singers from Nova Scotia; for tickets and
information, call 641-472-2787, Stephen Sondheim
Center for the Performing Arts, Fairfield Arts &
Convention Center, Fairfield, IA, http://www.
FairfieldACC.com, 7:30pm Sat Feb 18.
Peoria Symphony Orchestra Presents Classics
IV, featuring a special performance of the music
of Brahms and Mahler; $32-$70; for information
and tickets, call 309-671-1096, Peoria Civic Center,
201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL, http://www.
peoriaciviccenter.com, 8pm Sat Feb 18.
UI Symphony Band/Iowa Honor Band, with
honor band guest conductor Myron Welch; free,
Iowa Memorial Union Main Lounge - University of
Iowa, 125 N. Madison St., Iowa City, IA, http://www.
performingarts.uiowa.edu, 7pm Sat Feb 18.
Marvin Bell Concert, free, Senate Chamber
of the Old Capitol, 201 S Clinton St, Iowa City, IA,
http://www.performingarts.uiowa.edu, 2pm Sun
Feb 19.
Brad Paisley, country-music superstar in
concert, with special guests The band Perry and
Scott McCreery; $25-59.75; for tickets, call 800-745-
3000, i wireless Center, 1201 River Dr, Moline, IL,
http://www.iwirelesscenter.com, 7pm Fri Feb 24.
Joseph Halls Elvis, La Vegas tribute performer
in concert; $10-$20; for tickets and information,
call 563-652-9815, Ohnward Fine Arts Center,
1215 E Platt St., Maquoketa, IA, http://www.
ohnwardfineartscenter.com, 7pm Sat Feb 25.
Knox-Galesburg Symphony, featuring Maurice
Cohn on violincello; for tickets and information, call
309-342-2299 or e-mail tickets@theorpheum.org,
The Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg,
IL, http://www.theorpheum.org, 7:30pm Sat Feb
25.
UI Symphony Orchestra, with conductor
William LaRue Jones, Wolfgang David on violin,
Timothy Gill on cello, and Ksenia Nosikova on
piano; free, Iowa Memorial Union Main Lounge
- University of Iowa, 125 N. Madison St., Iowa City,
IA, http://www.performingarts.uiowa.edu, 7:30pm
Wed Feb 29.
CLA555 & CALL5 F0R N7RY
RME On Tour Program, multi-media
presentation available for schools in the Quad-City
area; program includes: Introduction to River Music
Experience; Multi-media presentation on history of
American roots music; Live music performance by
2-3 RME staff or music instructors; Optional drum
circle; and Conclusion with student participation,
sing-a-long/play-a-long; for information and to
arrange for the tour to visit your school, call Ellis
kell at 563-326-1333, ext. 113 or email ekell@
rivermusicexperience.org, RME (River Music
Experience), 131 W. 2nd St., Davenport, IA, http://
www.rivermusicexperience.org, thru Sat Dec 31.
WQPT Seeking Music Videos, seeking
musicians to share their music on The Cities with
Jim Mertens; be sure your submissions are of
a high-quality resolution, and original music is
encouraged; sent DVDs or high-quality (HD) videos
on You Tube will be considered; for information and
to submit, contact Lora Adams at 309-764-2400 or
lj-adams@wiu.edu, WQPT-TV, 3800 Avenue of the
Cities, Suite 101, Moline, IL, http://www.wqpt.org,
thru Sat Dec 31.
Voice Lessons with Tyson Danner, private voice
lessons for a wide variety of musical genres; lessons
are available to students of any age or experience
level; be sure to ask about rates and availability;
for information, contact Kimberly Furness at 563-
322-8504 or Kim@thecurtainbox.com, Curtainbox
Theatre & Conservatory, 2850 Eastern Ave., Suite
#200, Davenport, IA, http://thecurtainbox.com,
thru Wed Feb 29.
RA0lN05 & 0l5CU55l0N5
November & December
Local Authors Book Signing, authors featured
include Donna Beserra, Ann Hailey, Thomas Lerczak,
Mike McCarty, Michael Neis, Jane VanVorren Rogers,
and Brian Schmavje, on hand with childrens
literature, fiction, poetry, horror novels, and more;
free; for information, call 563-324-1410, Midwest
Writing Center, 225 E. 2nd St. Suite 303, Davenport,
IA, http://www.midwestwritingcenter.org, 7pm Fri
Nov 25.
David W. Dorris, Davenport author signs copies
of his book Life Is Too Short; Life Is What We Make
It; for information, contact Jim Miller at 888-361-
9473 or jim@tatepublishing.com, Barnes & Noble,
320 W Kimberly Rd, Davenport, IA, 1pm Sat Nov
26.
QCAD Book Club, meets on the 4th Sunday
of the month; for information, call 309-786-2580,
Quad Citians Affirming Diversity Center, 1705
2nd Ave., Suite 308, Rock Island, IL, http://www.
qcaffirmingdiversity.org, 7pm Sun Nov 27,.
River Readings at Augustana: Jill Alexander
Essbaum, acclaimed Christian erotic poet reads
from her works; free; for information, e-mail
kerirursch@augustana.edu or call 309-794-7721,
Wallenberg Hall, Augustana College, 3520 7th Ave.,
Rock Island, IL, http://www.augustana.edu/x36806.
xml, 7pm Wed Nov 30.
CASI Book Club Meeting, $2-$4; for information,
call 563-386-7477, CASI (Center for Active Seniors),
1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA, http://www.
casiseniors.org, 10am Fri Dec 2.
Writers Studio, free; for information, call
563-324-1410, Midwest Writing Center, 225 E.
2nd St. Suite 303, Davenport, IA, http://www.
midwestwritingcenter.org, 11am Sat Dec 3.
Holiday Shopping Fundraiser for Midwest
Theatre
Musicals and Dance
December through February
O
ne of the highlights
of our areas winter
season of musicals and
dance performances
will no doubt be the
District Theatres staging
of Stephen Sondheims
mid-life roundelay
Company, which opens
on February 3. Id tell you who's appearing in it,
but as the show features, no kidding, just about
every single performer who has ever appeared in
a musical at the District Theatre or its former
Harrison Hilltop venue, the cast list would
quickly eat up my word count. So lets spread
the wealth, shall we? A few blocks away in the
District of Rock Island, the Circa 21 Dinner
Playhouse will start 2012 with the return of the
ever-popular rock-and-roll sensation Grease
(opening January 11), while the citys The Center
for Living continues its monthly stagings of an
only-slightly-abridged Broadway smash in Rent:
The School Edition (December 9 and 10, January
21, and February 18). Rock Islands professional
dance company Ballet Quad Cities heads over
to Augustana College Wallenberg Hall for the
Valentines Day-themed Love Stories: Love on the
Run! (February 17 and 18), while Davenports
Adler Theatre hosts the touring production of
a Tony Award-winning film adaptation in the
musical drama The Color Purple (February 7).
Iowa Citys Riverside Theatre will be celebrating
the winter weather (those weirdos ... ) with the
return of the venues popular Guys on Ice: An
Ice-Fishing Musical Comedy (opening January
20), while a less-frozen aquatic adventure will be
staged in St. Ambrose Universitys presentation
of the debuting family musical Dakota Jones &
the Search for Atlantis (December 3 and 4). The
music of the 80s principally the ass-kicking,
hair-band rock of the 80s will fill the Peoria
Civic Center in the Tony-nominated spectacle
Rock of Ages (January 17 and 18). And just
when youre thisclose to thinking that winter will
perhaps never, ever end, the Peoria venue will
wrap up the shortest-yet-longest month of the
year with Rodgers & Hammersteins Pulitzer
Prize-winning South Pacific (February 28 and
29), a musical classic chockablock with sunny
skies, palm trees, island breezes, and characters
running around in shorts. As I write this, the
Quad Cities is receiving its first snowfall of the
season. Im reserving my South Pacific tickets
now. Mike Schulz
The Color Purple
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7, 2011 21 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
Writing Center, when customers mention the
Midwest Writing Center at checkout, a portion of
Barnes & Nobles sales will go to the center; local
authors, including horror novelist Mike McCarty
and The Christmas Cats in Silly Hatsauthor Connie
Corcoran Wilson, will be on hand to chat and sign
their books; free; for information, call 563-324-
1410 or e-mail mwc@midwestwritingcenter.org,
Barnes & Noble (Davenport), 320 W Kimberly Rd,
Davenport, IA, http://www.midwestwritingcenter.
org, 1pm Sat Dec 3.
Short & Sweets @ Eastern, discuss short
literature - including stories, memoirs, poems, and
articles less than 50 pages in length - while eating
scrumptious snacks; free; for information and
to register, call 563-888-3371, Davenport Public
Library - Eastern Ave. Branch, 6000 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport, IA, http://www.davenportlibrary.com,
7pm Mon Dec 5.
The Christmas Sweater, a discussion of Glen
Becks book with the Alpha Book Club; free; for
information, call 309-732-7323, Rock Island Public
Library - Main Library, 401 19th, Rock Island, IL,
http://www.rockislandlibrary.org, 3pm Mon Dec 5.
Talk Art Cabaret, late-night reading series
featuring the work of Iowa WritersWorkshop fiction
writers and poets; $3-$5, The Mill, 120 E Burlington,
Iowa City, IA, http://www.icmill.com, 10pm Wed
Dec 7.
Connie Corcoran Wilson, Wilson delivers
humorous readings from her latest book and plays
singalong Christmas carols on the piano; with light
refreshments and Wilsons books for sale; free; for
information, call 563-344-5705, Bettendorf Public
Library, 2950 Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA,
http://www.bettendorflibrary.com, 7pm Wed Dec
7.
Connie Corcoran Wilson, local author signing
copies of her books, including The Christmas Cats
in Silly Hats, Barnes & Noble, 320 W Kimberly Rd,
Davenport, IA, http://www.conniecwilson.com,
11am Sat Dec 10.
Emily Dickinson Poetry Discussion, Dr. Bea
Jacobson from St. Ambrose University leads a
discussion of Dickinsons poetry with the theme
Body Parts; free; for information, call 563-344-4175,
Bettendorf Public Library, 2950 Learning Campus,
Bettendorf, IA, http://www.bettendorflibrary.com,
2pm Sat Dec 10.
The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax, a Mystery
Book Discussion of Dorothy Gilmans book, led
by librarian Hedy Hustedde; free; for information,
call 563-344-4179, Bettendorf Public Library, 2950
Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA, http://www.
bettendorflibrary.com, 9:30am Sat Dec 10.
My Old Man, desserts and a discussion of Ernest
Hemingways short story with the Shorts & Sweets
@ Fairmount Discussion Group; free; registration
required; for information, call 563-328-6833,
Fairmount Street Library, 3000 N. Fairmount St.,
Davenport, IA, http://www.davenportlibrary.com,
10am Mon Dec 12.
DAGOBAH, the Davenport Area Gathering
of Books and Humanoids Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book
Discussion Group; free; for information, call 563-326-
7832, Davenport Public Library (Main), 321 Main
Street, Davenport, IA, http://www.davenportlibrary.
com, 6pm Mon Dec 12.
One True Theory of Love, a discussion of Laura
Fitzgeralds book with the Between the Lines Book
Club; free; for information, call 563-326-7832,
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Ave. Branch,
6000 Eastern Ave., Davenport, IA, http://www.
davenportlibrary.com, 7pm Wed Dec 14.
blue//green Reading Series, readings of
concept literature; free; for information, e-mail
blue//green press at bluegreenpress@gmail.com,
The Mill, 120 E Burlington, Iowa City, IA, http://www.
icmill.com, 8pm Wed Dec 14.
Writers Studio, free; for information, call
563-324-1410, Midwest Writing Center, 225 E.
2nd St. Suite 303, Davenport, IA, http://www.
midwestwritingcenter.org, 11am Sat Dec 17.
Spoken Word, event hosted by The Intense
Poets, for ages 17+; free; for information, e-mail
info@rozztox.com, Rozz-Tox, 2108 3rd Ave., Rock
Island, IL, http://www.rozztox.com, 7pm Sun Dec
18.
These Things Hidden, a discussion of Heather
Gudenkaufs book with the West End Book Club;
free; for information, call 563-326-7832, Fairmount
Street Library, 3000 N. Fairmount St., Davenport, IA,
http://www.davenportlibrary.com, 7pm Tue Dec
20.
The March, a Contemporary Books Discussion
of E.L. Doctorows book, led by sports reporter Don
Doxsie; free; for information, call 563-344-4179,
Bettendorf Public Library, 2950 Learning Campus,
Bettendorf, IA, http://www.bettendorflibrary.com,
7pm Wed Dec 21.
The Outliers, a Contemporary Books Discussion
of Malcolm Gladwells book, led by St. Ambrose
University Professor Michael Hustedde; free; for
information, call 563-344-4179, Bettendorf Public
Library, 2950 Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA,
http://www.bettendorflibrary.com, 1pm Wed Dec
21.
Out Loud Open Prose & Poetry Readings,
free; for information, call 563-324-1410, Midwest
Writing Center, 225 E. 2nd St. Suite 303, Davenport,
IA, http://www.midwestwritingcenter.org, 7pm Fri
Dec 30.
January
I See You Everywhere, a discussion of Julia
Glass book with the Pageturners Discussion Group;
free; for information, call 309-524-2470, Moline
Public Library, 3210 41st St, Moline, IL, http://www.
molinelibrary.com, 7pm Tue Jan 3.
Kickoff Event for In a Nutshell: The Worlds
of Maurice Sendak, watch a film adaptation of
Where the Wild Things Are and tour the literary
exhibit; free; for information, call 309-524-2470,
Moline Public Library, 3210 41st St, Moline, IL,
http://www.molinelibrary.com, 3pm Wed Jan 4.
Shorts & Sweets @ Fairmount, discuss short
stories, journal articles, poetry, and more, and
enjoy a delicious dessert while discussing; free; for
information, call 563-326-7832, Fairmount Street
Library, 3000 N. Fairmount St., Davenport, IA, http://
www.davenportlibrary.com, 10am Mon Jan 9.
DAGOBAH, the Davenport Area Gathering
of Books and Humanoids Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book
Discussion Group; free; for information, call 563-326-
7832, Davenport Public Library (Main), 321 Main
Street, Davenport, IA, http://www.davenportlibrary.
com, 6pm Mon Jan 9.
Kitchen House, a discussion of Kathleen
Grissoms book with the Between the Lines Book
Club; free; for information, call 563-326-7832,
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Ave. Branch,
6000 Eastern Ave., Davenport, IA, http://www.
davenportlibrary.com, 7pm Wed Jan 11.
Lets Talk About It: Making Sense of the
American Civil War, first session in the reading
and discussion series led by Augustana Colleges
Dr. Stephen Warren, on the legacy of the Civil War;
free; for information, call 309-524-2470, Moline
Public Library, 3210 41st St, Moline, IL, http://www.
molinelibrary.com, 7pm Thu Jan 12.
In the Bleak Midwinter, a discussion of Julia
Spencer-Flemings book with the Mystery Book
Discussion group, led by Hedy Hustedde; free; for
information, call 563-344-5705, Bettendorf Public
Library, 2950 Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA,
http://www.bettendorflibrary.com, 9:30am Sat Jan
14.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a
discussion of Mark Twains book with the Classics
Club; free; for information, call 309-524-2470,
Moline Public Library, 3210 41st St, Moline, IL,
http://www.molinelibrary.com, 7pm Mon Jan 16.
The Help, a discussion of Kathryn Stocketts book
with the West End Book Club; free; for information,
call 563-326-7832, Fairmount Street Library, 3000
N. Fairmount St., Davenport, IA, http://www.
davenportlibrary.com, 7pm Tue Jan 17.
The Outliers, a discussion of Malcolm Gladwells
book with the Contemporary Books Discussion
Group; free; for information, call 563-344-5705,
Bettendorf Public Library, 2950 Learning Campus,
Bettendorf, IA, http://www.bettendorflibrary.com,
7pm Wed Jan 18.
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River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7,2011 22 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
The Childrens Blizzard, a discussion of David
Laskins book with the Contemporary Books
Discussion Group; free; for information, call
563-344-5705, Bettendorf Public Library, 2950
Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA, http://www.
bettendorflibrary.com, 1pm Wed Jan 18.
QCAD Book Club, meets on the 4th Sunday
of the month; for information, call 309-786-2580,
Quad Citians Affirming Diversity Center, 1705
2nd Ave., Suite 308, Rock Island, IL, http://www.
qcaffirmingdiversity.org, 7pm Sun Jan 22.
Year in Review, a fast-paced review of the best
books for adults of 2011; hear about books you may
have missed in this event that goes way beyond the
best-sellers; free; for information, call 563-326-7832,
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Ave. Branch,
6000 Eastern Ave., Davenport, IA, http://www.
davenportlibrary.com, 7pm Mon Jan 23.
No Reservtaions, a discussion of Anthony
Bourdains book in the Travel Reads series, with
librarian Amanda Makula; free; for information,
e-mail kerirursch@augustana.edu or call 309-794-
7721, Carlsson Evald Hall - Augustana College, 3601
7th Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://www.augustana.
edu, 4pm Sun Jan 29.
February
Maurice Sendak Book Discussion, a discussion
of Where the Wild Things Are,In the Night Kitchen,
and Outside Over There; free; for information, call
309-524-2470, Moline Public Library, 3210 41st St,
Moline, IL, http://www.molinelibrary.com, 7pm
Wed Feb 1.
Shorts & Sweets @ Eastern, discuss short
stories, journal articles, poetry, and more, and
enjoy a delicious dessert while discussing; free; for
information, call 563-326-7832, Davenport Public
Library - Eastern Ave. Branch, 6000 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport, IA, http://www.davenportlibrary.com,
6pm Mon Feb 6.
Pageturners Book Discussion Group, free;
for information, call 309-524-2470, Moline Public
Library, 3210 41st St, Moline, IL, http://www.
molinelibrary.com, 7pm Tue Feb 7.
Forgotten Garden, a discussion of Kate Mortons
book with the Between the Lines Book Club; free;
for information, call 563-326-7832, Davenport
Public Library - Eastern Ave. Branch, 6000 Eastern
Ave., Davenport, IA, http://www.davenportlibrary.
com, 7pm Wed Feb 8.
Civically Engaged, a four-part Peace and
Justice and Studies Book Discussion, touching on
topics that include service, giving, leadership, and
association; held on Feb. 9 and 16, and March 1 and
8; free, books provided; for information, contact
Mara Adams at 563-333-6343 or Jessica Gosnell
at 563-333-6088, or email peace@sau.edu, Christ
the King Chapel, St. Ambrose University Campus,
Davenport, IA, http://www.sau.edu, 6:30pm Thu
Feb 9.
Murder at the Vicarage, a discussion of Agatha
Christies book with the Mystery Book Discussion
group, led by Augustana College librarian Connie
Ghinazzi; free; for information, call 563-344-4175,
Bettendorf Public Library, 2950 Learning Campus,
Bettendorf, IA, http://www.bettendorflibrary.com,
9:30am Sat Feb 11.
DAGOBAH, the Davenport Area Gathering
of Books and Humanoids Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book
Discussion Group; free; for information, call 563-326-
7832, Davenport Public Library (Main), 321 Main
Street, Davenport, IA, http://www.davenportlibrary.
com, 6pm Mon Feb 13.
Shorts & Sweets @ Fairmount, discuss short
stories, journal articles, poetry, and more, and
enjoy a delicious dessert while discussing; free; for
information, call 563-326-7832, Fairmount Street
Library, 3000 N. Fairmount St., Davenport, IA, http://
www.davenportlibrary.com, 10am Mon Feb 13.
The Invisible Bridge, Susan Perry leads a
discussion of Julie Orringers book, a selection
in the German American Heritage Center Book
Club; for information, call 563-322-8844 or e-mail
husteddemichaelj@sau.edu, Bettendorf Public
Library, 2950 Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA,
http://www.gahc.org, 7pm Tue Feb 14.
The Childrens Blizzard, a discussion of David
Laskins book with the Contemporary Books
Discussion Group; free; for information, call
563-344-5705, Bettendorf Public Library, 2950
Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA, http://www.
bettendorflibrary.com, 7pm Wed Feb 15.
The Help, a discussion of Kathryn Stocketts
book with the Contemporary Books Discussion
Group; free; for information, call 563-344-5705,
Bettendorf Public Library, 2950 Learning Campus,
Bettendorf, IA, http://www.bettendorflibrary.com,
1pm Wed Feb 15.
Lets Talk About It: Making Sense of the
American Civil War, first session in the reading
and discussion series led by Augustana Colleges
Dr. Stephen Warren, on the legacy of the Civil War;
free; for information, call 309-524-2470, Moline
Public Library, 3210 41st St, Moline, IL, http://www.
molinelibrary.com, 7pm Thu Feb 16.
A Valentine for Faye Clow, prize-winning poets
will read their works; with New York City-based poet
Jean Valentine as keynote speaker, Kai Swanson as
emcee, and the two first-place poems performed
in song by local composer Julia Goodman; for
information, call 563-344-4175, Bettendorf Public
Library, 2950 Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA,
http://www.bettendorflibrary.com, 6:30pm Thu
Feb 16.
Little Bee, a discussion of Chris Cleaves book
with the West End Book Club; free; for information,
call 563-326-7832, Fairmount Street Library, 3000
N. Fairmount St., Davenport, IA, http://www.
davenportlibrary.com, 7pm Tue Feb 21.
QCAD Book Club, meets on the 4th Sunday
of the month; for information, call 309-786-2580,
Quad Citians Affirming Diversity Center, 1705
2nd Ave., Suite 308, Rock Island, IL, http://www.
qcaffirmingdiversity.org, 7pm Sun Feb 26.
Mansfield Park, a discussion of Jane Austens
book with the Classics Club; free; for information,
call 309-524-2470, Moline Public Library, 3210 41st
St, Moline, IL, http://www.molinelibrary.com, 7pm
Mon Feb 27.
RA0lN0 PR00RAM5
Red, White, & Read Reading Program, at all
Davenport public libraries; free; for information,
call 563-326-7832, http://www.davenportlibrary.
com, Sun Jan 1 thru Wed Feb 29.
Teen Read Challenge: annual Quad City-wide
reading challenge for teens, co-sponsored by Quad
City Libraries; for information, call 309-732-7323;
http://www.rockislandlibrary.org, Sun Jan 8 thru
Sat Jan 28.
Teen Reading Challenge, for grades 6-12; pick
up a Challenge log from your local library and
keep track of how much you read between Jan. 8
and Jan. 28; read 250 minutes to win a prize and
an invitation to the Challenge Final Party on Feb.
3; at 500, 750, and 1,000 minutes, get entered
into drawings for more prizes; for information, call
309-524-2470, Moline Public Library, 3210 41st St,
Moline, IL, http://www.molinelibrary.com, Sun Jan
8 thru Sat Jan 28.
PRF0RMANC5
Currently Playing
Wicked, Broadway musical smash based on The
Wizard of Oz; Tue-Sat 7:30pm (no Thanksgiving
show), Sat 2pm, Sun 1 & 6:30pm; $35 & up; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, Civic Center of Greater
Des Moines, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA, http://
www.civiccenter.org, thru Sun Dec 4.
A Dont Hug Me Christmas Carol, holiday-
themed musical with the good folks of Bunyan Bay;
Fri & Sat 7:30pm; Wed, Thu, & Sun 3pm; $17.50-$27;
for tickets and information, call 800-35-AMANA,
Old Creamery Theatre, 39 38th Ave., Amana, IA,
http://www.oldcreamery.com, thru Sun Dec 18.
Nuncrackers, holiday sequel to Dan Goggins
drag) for Sister Julia, Child of God in the
shows cooking segment. Ciemiewicz, who I
think could make a reading of the phone book
charmingly chuckle-worthy, takes Goggins
overly predictable
choice to have the
priest drink the rum
hes adding to the
fruitcake recipe and
turns it into comedy
gold. Channeling
Nathan Lane,
Ciemiewicz is just so
sweet, so friendly, and
so over-the-top funny
that the jokes lack of
originality is lost in the
laughter he elicits.
As Reverend Mother,
Nancy Evans nails the
characters controlling
but jovial nature
while reprimanding
her nuns for their
rebellious ways. Her
attempt to replace the injured and, except for
her foot, never seen Sister Mary Leo as the
Sugar Plum Fairy is a hilarious balancing act of
self-confidence and (intentional) lack of ballet
talent. (Ciemiewicz, similarly dressed as the
Sugar Plum Fairy, also shines in this scene with
his impressive en pointe dancing.) While Kristen
Jeters moxie as the Brooklyn-born Sister Robert
Anne is unmissable, its her heartwarming
performance of the song All I Want for
Christmas thats unforgettable. And Courtney
Washingtons dignified and driven Sister Hubert
brings down the house on the gospel-infused
show-stopper Its Better to Give, Goggins most
rousing number in the musical.
Whether thanks to Goggin or Hesselman,
there are also some clever updates here. Theres a
reference to Beyoncs Single Ladies (Put a Ring
on It) in one of the numbers (which could not
have been in the original show, as it was written
several years before that song was released),
and Hesselman who also choreographed this
production smartly incorporates a few iconic
steps from Beyoncs music video, punching
up the pop reference. While my guess is that
November 11's older audience members
missed this and the mention of the girl group
the Pussycat Dolls, theyre welcome inclusions
for those of us who caught them. The updates
are also much-needed additions to a series
thats aging, although Nuncrackers seems to be
weathering the years better than other Nunsense
shows.
For tickets and information, call (309)786-7733
extension 2 or visit Circa21.com.
0
f all the installments in the Nunsense
series, which includes six sequels and
three spinoffs, the Christmas musical
Nuncrackers currently running at the Circa 21
Dinner Playhouse seems
to me the most palat-
able. For one thing, it has
the added benefit of its
Christmas theme; theres
just something about the
holidays that puts you (or at
least me) in a cheery mood,
which, in turn, makes it
easier to forgive the shows
shortcomings. And when
you add the merry goofi-
ness of the Little Sisters of
Hoboken, its hard not to be
in good spirits throughout
the show.
This, the fourth
Nunsense piece by Dan
Goggin (who wrote the
songs, lyrics, and book),
finds the nuns, Father
Virgil, and the Mt. Saint Helens schools four
most talented girls staging a cable-access TV
show for Christmas. The sequel includes the
usual Nunsense humor filled with double
entendres and clichd jokes plus familiar
carols and a wild, nuns-in-tutus version of
Tchaikovskys Nutcracker ballet.
The musicals most obvious weakness
lies in its obvious jokes, and it doesnt help
that director Jim Hesselman has his actors
overselling their punchlines, in an effort to make
sure the audience doesnt miss the intended
humor. For instance, Sister Amnesia mistakenly
introduces the ballet by exclaiming the phrase
BALL-BUSTERS!, and has to be told its
NUT-CRACKERS! Ugh. Is there anyone in
the audience who wouldve missed that one if
it were vocalized at a normal level? (Jokes are
funnier when you simply get them than when
theyre slapped in your face.) Still, the bright,
exuberant tone of Hesselmans work, and the
casts portrayals, make the lack of subtlety hardly
matter.
Jillian Prefach has the good fortune of playing
the happiest, most unassuming nun of them
all: Sister Amnesia. This air-headed, Southern-
twanged sister shines brightest during a Secret
Santa segment in which Prefach delivers
Catholic-themed gifts to a handful of audience
members. While the 10 Commandments sticker
set and the two-inch golden ruler are relatively
amusing themselves, its Prefachs partially ad-
libbed conversations with the Circa 21 patrons
that makes each gift worthy of a hearty laugh.
Theres a similar magic created by Marc
Ciemiewicz as Father Virgil, substituting (in
Hard Habits to Break
Nuncrackers, at the Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse through December 30
By Thom White
THEATRE
Courtney Washington, Jillian Prefach,
and Kristen Jeter
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7, 2011 23 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
musical-comedy smash Nunsense; Wed, Fri, & Sat
5:45pm doors, 6-7pm buffet, 7:15pm Bootlegger
pre-show; 7:45pm show; Sun. 3:45pm doors, 4-
5pm buffet, 5:15pm Bootlegger pre-show; 5:45pm
show; Wed 11:30am doors, 11:45am-12:45pm
plated lunch, 1pm Bootlegger pre-show; 1:30pm
show; for tickets and information, call 309-786-
7733, extension 2, Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828
3rd Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://www.circa21.com,
thru Fri Dec 30.
Opening in November
Once Upon a Blank, innovative takes on the
classic fairytales Little Red Riding Hood and The
Three Little Pigs; $5; for tickets and information, call
309-786-1111, The Establishment Theatre, 220 19th
St., Rock Island, IL, http://www.comedysportzqc.
com, 2pm Fri Nov 25.
A Southern Exposure, Iowa premieres of Kelley
Kingston-Strayers family comedy; Fri & Sat 7:30pm,
Sun 1:30pm; $10-$20; for information and tickets,
call 319-622-3222 or e-mail itac@southslope.net,
Iowa Theatre Artists Company, 4709 220th Trail,
Amana, IA, http://www.iowatheatreartists.org, Fri
Nov 25 thru Sun Nov 27.
A Tuna Christmas, holiday comedy with two
actors playing dozens of roles; Fri & Sat 8pm, Sun
2pm; $15; for tickets and information, call 309-
235-1654, The District Theatre, 1611 2nd Ave, Rock
Island, IL, http://www.districttheatre.com, Fri Nov
25 thru Sat Dec 10.
Small Miracles, revival of the personal tribute
to Christmas past by Riversides resident artist Ron
Clark; Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm; $15-20; for tickets
and information, call 319-338-7672, Riverside
Theatre, 213 N. Gilbert St., Iowa City, IA, http://www.
riversidetheatre.org, Fri Nov 25 thru Sun Nov 27.
All the Great Books (Abridged), Reed Martins &
Austin Tichenors comedic condensing of all of historys
literary masterpieces; in the Grace Theatre; Wed,
Fri, & Sat 7:30pm; Sat 2pm; $13-$26; for information
and tickets, call 815-879-5656, Grace Performing
Arts Center, 316 Main St., Princeton, IL, http://www.
festival56.com, Fri Nov 25 thru Sat Dec 3.
A Christmas Carol, John Mortimers stage
adaptation of Charles Dickens holiday classic;
scheduled performances Thu-Sun; $12-$25; for
tickets and information, call 319-366-8591, Theatre
Cedar Rapids, 102 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, http://
www.theatrecr.org, Fri Nov 25 thru Sat Dec 17.
Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells,
full-length holiday show featuring the beloved
childrens-book character; scheduled performances
Thu.-Tue.; $10.50-$20; for tickets and information,
call 309-786-7733, extension 2, Circa 21 Dinner
Playhouse, 1828 3rd Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://
www.circa21.com, Fri Nov 25 thru Sat Dec 31.
Raggedy Ann & Andys Yuletide Adventure,
on Saturdays; a Theatre for Young Audiences
presentation; $8; for tickets, call 319-622-6194 or
800-35AMANA, Old Creamery Theatre, 39 38th Ave.,
Amana, IA, http://www.oldcreamery.com, 11am Sat
Nov 26 thru Sat Dec 17.
Opening in December
Scrooge, musical adaptation of Charles Dickens
A Christmas Carol, with music & lyrics by Leslie
Bricusse; directed by Bob Williams; Thu-Sat 7:30pm,
Sun 2pm; $10-$15; for tickets and information, call
309-762-6610, Quad City Music Guild - Prospect
Park Auditorium, 1584 34th Ave., Moline, IL, http://
www.qcmusicguild.com, Thu Dec 1 thru Sun Dec
4.
Hamlet, condensed, minimalist version of
Shakespeares tragedy, directed by Carol MacVey;
Wed-Sat & Tue 8pm, Sun 2pm; $10-$17; for
information and tickets, call 319-335-1160, The
University of Iowas David Thayer Theatre, 200 N.
Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA, http://www.hancher.
uiowa.edu/tickets, Thu Dec 1 thru Sat Dec 10.
Wooden Snowflakes, holiday-themed drama
by Catherine Bush; Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sun & Thu 3pm;
$17.50-$27; for tickets and information, call 800-35-
AMANA, Old Creamery Studio Theatre, 3023 220th
Trail, Middle Amana, IA, http://www.oldcreamery.
com, Thu Dec 1 thru Sun Dec 18.
The Elves & the Shoemaker, family-musical
presentation by the Young Footliters; Fri 1pm,
Sat 4pm, Sun 2pm; for information, e-mail info@
youngfootliters.org, Herbert Hoover Presidential
Library & Museum, Off I-80 at exit 254, West Branch,
IA, http://www.youngfootliters.org, 7pm Fri Dec 2
thru Sun Dec 4.
Tartuffe, the Prenzie Players production of
Molieres classic farce, directed by Jeremy Mahr; Fri,
Sat, and Dec. 4 - 7:30pm doors, 8pm performance;
Dec 11 1:30pm doors, 2pm performance; for
tickets and information, call 309-278-8426 or e-mail
tickets@prenzieplayers.com, Skellington Manor
Banquet & Event Center, 420 18th St, Rock Island,
IL, http://www.prenzieplayers.com, Fri Dec 2 thru
Sun Dec 11.
Little Women, Peter Claphams adaptation of
Louisa May Alcotts beloved novel; Fri & Sat 7:30pm,
Sun 2pm; $12-$13; for information and tickets, call
319-462-4793, Starlighters II Theatre, 136 E. Main
St., Anamosa, IA, http://www.starlighters.org, Fri
Dec 2 thru Sun Dec 11.
Invisible Man, a staged reading of a new
adaptation of Ralph Ellisons seminal novel, by
director Christopher McElroen; for information, call
319-335-1133, Shambaugh Auditorium, UI Main
Library, S. Madison St., Iowa City, IA, 7pm Sat Dec 3.
Dakota Jones and the Search for Atlantis,
debuting family musical loosely based on 20,000
Leagues Under the Sea,written by Aaron Randolph
III, directed by Daniel DP Sheridan; $7-$8; for tickets
and information, call 563-333-6251, Galvin Fine Arts
Center, 2101 Gaines St., Davenport, IA, http://www.
sau.edu/galvin, 3pm Sat Dec 3 and Sun Dec 4.
Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells,
full-length holiday show featuring the beloved
childrens-book character; 5:30pm doors, 5:45pm
buffet, 6:45 show; $18-$20; for tickets and
information, call 309-786-7733, extension 2, Circa
21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 3rd Ave., Rock Island, IL,
http://www.circa21.com, 6:45pm Mon Dec 5.
Page to Stage, an evening in Locust Productions
staged reading series; for information, call 515-288-
3672, Des Moines Social Club, 1408 Locust St., Des
Moines, IA, http://www.desmoinessocialclub.org,
6pm Wed Dec 7.
Vaudeville Dreams, a play-in-development in
the University of Iowas Workshop Series, written
by Janet Schlapkohl; free; for information, call 319-
335-2700, Cosmo Catalano Acting Studio, Room
172, Theatre Building, Iowa City, IA, http://www.
uiowa.edu/~theatre/season/second.htm, 8pm Thu
Dec 8 and Fri Dec 9.
Lynne Rothrocks Christmas Cabaret, holiday
music, comedy & more with Rothrock and special
guests, Ron DeWitte, Cory Johnson, and Meg
Merckens; Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Fri & Sun 1:30pm; $10-
$25; for information and tickets, call 319-622-3222
or e-mail itac@southslope.net, Iowa Theatre Artists
Company, 4709 220th Trail, Amana, IA, http://www.
iowatheatreartists.org, Fri Dec 9 thru Sun Dec 11.
A Christmas Carol, the City Circle Acting
Company of Coralvilles presentation of Charles
Dickens classic holiday tale; Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sun
2pm; for tickets and information, e-mail info@
citycircle.org or call 319-541-2980, Coralville Center
for the Performing Arts, 1301 5th St., Coralville, IA,
http://citycircle.org, Fri Dec 9 thru Sun Dec 18.
Irving Berlins White Christmas, musical
comedy based on the beloved holiday movie;
Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm; $10-$18; for tickets
and information, call 319-338-0443, Iowa City
Community Theatre, 4265 Oak Crest Hill Rd, Iowa
City, IA, http://www.iowacitycommunitytheatre.
com, Fri Dec 9 thru Sun Dec 18.
Its a Wonderful Life, stage version of Frank
Capras holiday classic; in the Grace Theatre; scheduled
performances Wed.-Sat.; $13-$26; for information
and tickets, call 815-879-5656, Grace Performing
Arts Center, 316 Main St., Princeton, IL, http://www.
festival56.com, Fri Dec 9 thru Fri Dec 23.
A Passion for Murder, an interactive comedy-
mystery and dinner with the Its a Mystery troupe;
$35; for information and reservations, call 563-
359-1607, The Lodge Hotel, 900 Spruce Hills Dr.,
Bettendorf, IA, http://www.itsamysteryqc.com,
6:30pm Fri Dec 9.
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7,2011 24 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
Rent: School Edition, minimally-modified
version of Jonathan Larsons musical smash; $10;
6:15pm doors, 7pm show, no audiences admitted
after 7pm; for information, call 309-788-5433 or e-
mail info@center4living.com, The Center for Living
Arts, 2008 4th Ave, Rock Island, IL, http://www.
center4living.com, 7pm Fri Dec 9 and Sat Dec 10.
30-Hour Play Project: All I Really Need to
Know I Learned by Being in a Bad Play, at 2 &
4pm; holiday production by Junior Theatre students,
who were given 30 hours to prepare, write, and
rehearse a one-act production with the help of local
professionals; $3 at the door for ages 3 & up; for
information, call 563-326-7862, Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport, IA, http://
www.davenportjuniortheatre.com, Sun Dec 11.
A Christmas Carol, the Nebraska Theatre
Caravan tour of Charles Dickens holiday classic;
$12-$29; for tickets and information, call 641-472-
2787, Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing
Arts, Fairfield Arts & Convention Center, Fairfield, IA,
http://www.FairfieldACC.com, 7pm Sun Dec 11.
Skellingtons Last Resort, an interactive
comedy-mystery and dinner with the Its a Mystery
troupe; $35; for information and reservations, call
563-344-9187, Skellington Manor Banquet & Event
Center, 420 18th St, Rock Island, IL, http://www.
itsamysteryqc.com, 6:30pm Fri Dec 16.
Collaborators, a play in the new season of
National Theatre Live broadcasts; $15-$18; for
tickets and information, call 319-688-2653, Englert
Theatre, 221 East Washington St., Iowa City, IA,
http://www.englert.org, 7pm Sat Dec 17.
The Boy Who Stole The Stars, family adventure
about a young boys quest to slay a dragon and
save his grandfather; childrens theatre workshops
in the morning; for information, call 563-332-5151,
Pleasant Valley High School - Auditorium, 604
Belmont Rd, Bettendorf, IA, http://www.pleasval.
k12.ia.us/highschool, 1pm Sat Dec 17.
Opening in January
Blind Date, interactive comedy in which a
Parisian temptress goes on a blind date with several
men plucked from of the audience; Wed-Fri 7:30pm,
Sat 5 & 8pm, Sun 3pm; $27.50; for tickets, call 800-
745-3000, Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
Temple Theater, 10th & Locust St., Des Moines, IA,
http://www.civiccenter.org, Wed Jan 4 thru Sun
Jan 22.
Pleasant Valley Alumni Show, production with
former PVHS students; for information, call 563-332-
5151, Pleasant Valley High School - Auditorium, 604
Belmont Rd, Bettendorf, IA, http://www.pleasval.
k12.ia.us/highschool, 7pm Fri Jan 6 and Sat Jan 7.
Prenzie Players Annual Fundraising Gala,
fundraiser for the area classical-theatre company,
with theatrical presentations, music, hors doeuvres,
wine, a silent auction, and more; Rivermont
Collegiate, 1821 Sunset Dr., Bettendorf, IA; for
information, e-mail info@prenzieplayers.com,
http://www.prenzieplayers.com, 7pm Sat Jan 7.
Grease, the original high school musical; Wed,
Fri, Sat, and Jan. 12 - 5:45pm doors, 6-7pm buffet,
7:15pm Bootlegger pre-show; 7:45pm show; Sun
- 3:45pm doors, 4-5pm buffet, 5:15pm Bootlegger
pre-show; 5:45pm show; Wed - 11:30am doors,
11:45am-12:45pm plated lunch, 1pm Bootlegger
pre-show; 1:30pm show; for tickets and information,
call 309-786-7733, extension 2, Circa 21 Dinner
Playhouse, 1828 3rd Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://
www.circa21.com, 7:45pm Wed Jan 11 thru Wed
Feb 29.
Anne of Avonlea, a family play by Joseph
Robinette, based on the novel by L.M. Montgomery;
Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sun 3pm; for information and
tickets, call 309-762-0330, Playcrafters Barn Theatre,
4950 35th Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.playcrafters.
com, 7:30pm Fri Jan 13 thru Sun Jan 22.
Skellingtons Last Resort, an interactive
comedy-mystery and dinner with the Its a Mystery
troupe; $35; for information and reservations, call
563-344-9187, Skellington Manor Banquet & Event
Music
Holiday Concerts
November and December
O
ver a 25-day
period, our area
will present so many
holiday concerts at
so many different
venues that I feel
compelled to start
with some bad news: I
have no room here to
open with a joke. Please do your best to control your
disappointment. This tune-laden season begins in
Iowa City, with the University of Iowas Hawkeye-
Carver Arena hosting November 27s 2012 Holiday
Pops Tour featuring the Boston Pops Esplanade and
Rockapella, and ends with Davenports Adler Theatre
staging the multimedia spectacle of The Christmas
Music of Mannheim Steamroller on December 21.
However, to borrow an appropriately chilly analogy,
thats just the tip of the iceberg. The Adler will also
offer seasonal classics and new compositions with
singer/songwriter Jim Brickmans November 28
concert A Christmas Celebration, while across the
Mississippi, the Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse delivers
holiday treats with the touring artists of Branson on
the Road: Christmas Style on December 1 and 2. The
Rock Island theatres sister venue will find members
of Circa 21s performing wait staff (the Bootleggers)
and the cast of its current Nuncrackers celebrating
Christmas at the Speakeasy on December 8, with the
gifted womens ensemble Hersong, on December 3,
presenting its seventh-annual Warm Winter Concert
at Rock Islands St. Johns Lutheran Church. The citys
Augustana College, meanwhile, has three holiday
events scheduled: the choral and instrumental
collaboration Christmas at Augustana (December
2 and 3); the annual presentation of Handels
Messiah (December 10 and 11); and the story of
Christs birth told through song in Lessons & Carols
(December 15). Davenports St. Ambrose University
will also get in the holiday spirit with the vocal and
instrumental talents of December 9s Christmas
Showcase Concert, with Molines Black Hawk College
offering seasonal classics of its own in December 8s
Holiday Choral Concert. The Moline Boys Choir will
help the citys Butterworth Center celebrate A 19th
Century Christmas on December 4, and one of our
areas premier vocal ensembles invites you to spend
Christmas with the Quad City Singers at Colonas
Lavender Crest Winery (December 9 and 10).
Continuing outside Illinois Quad Cities, the Peoria
Civic Center hosts the Oak Ridge Boys Christmas
Show on November 29, while Galesburg stages the
Choral Dynamics Christmas Gospel December 2
through 4; in Iowa, Cedar Rapids CSPS/Legion Arts
delivers an Irish Christmas in America on December
5 and 6, with the Riverside Casino & Event Center
hosting Eddie Money, Lou Gramm, and Mickey
Thomas in Jingle Bell Rock on December 10. And for
a seasonal event in and out of the Quad Cities, the
professional vocal ensemble the Nova Singers brings
its annual Nova Christmas to the St. Paul Lutheran
Church of Davenport on December 16, and the First
Lutheran Church of Galesburg on December 17. And
now Im done, to which I say: Christmas Carols:
God Bless Us, Everyone! Oh, wait. Thats the title of
the holiday concert at Davenports First Presbyterian
Church on December 17 and 18. Okay. Now Im
done. Mike Schulz
Jim Brickman: A
Christmas Celebration
Center, 420 18th St, Rock Island, IL, http://www.
itsamysteryqc.com, 6:30pm Fri Jan 13.
Pleasant Valley Variety Show, production
with PVHS students and faculty; for information,
call 563-332-5151, Pleasant Valley High School -
Auditorium, 604 Belmont Rd, Bettendorf, IA, http://
www.pleasval.k12.ia.us/highschool, 7pm Tue Jan
17.
Rock of Ages, arena-rock love story told through
80s hits; $39-$59; for tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria,
IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com, 7:30pm Tue
Jan 17 and Wed Jan 18.
Bad Habits, New Ground Theatres presentation
of locally-written one-acts, directed by Jan Schmall;
Thu-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm; $15-$18; for tickets and
information, call 563-326-7529, Village Theatre,
2113 E 11th St, Village of East Davenport, IA, http://
www.newgroundtheatre.org, Thu Jan 19 thru Sun
Feb 5.
Guys on Ice: An Ice Fishing Musical Comedy,
Riversides return of the musical about ice fishing,
cold beer, good bait, and the Green Bay Packers;
Thu-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm; $15-29; for tickets and
information, call 319-338-7672, Riverside Theatre,
213 N. Gilbert St., Iowa City, IA, http://www.
riversidetheatre.org, Fri Jan 20 thru Sun Feb 19.
Rent: School Edition, minimally-modified
version of Jonathan Larsons musical smash; $10;
6:15pm doors, 7pm show, no audiences admitted
after 7pm; for information, call 309-788-5433 or e-
mail info@center4living.com, The Center for Living
Arts, 2008 4th Ave, Rock Island, IL, http://www.
center4living.com, 7pm Sat Jan 21.
Portraits of the Prairie, presentations by
the Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre at 2 & 4pm of
a series of tableaus showing the history of the
land from native prairie through early settlers
and small farms, through large agriculture, and
back to reconstructed prairie; with live music
by Ron Hillis; $5; for information, call 319-627-
2487 or e-mail owlglass@avalon.net, New Strand
Theatre, 111 E. 3rd St., West Liberty, IA, http://www.
PuppetsPuppets.com, 2pm Sun Jan 22.
Lord of the Underworlds Home for Unwed
Mothers, written and directed by Louisa Hill; Thu-
Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; $5; for information, call 319-
335-2700, Theatre B - University of Iowa, Theatre
Building, 200 N. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA, http://
www.uiowa.edu/~theatre/season/second.htm,
Thu Jan 26 thru Sun Jan 29.
How I Learned to Drive, Paula Vogels darkly
comedic Pulitzer Prize winner, directed by Jennifer
Popple; Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sun 1:30pm; $9-$11;
for tickets and information, call 309-794-7306,
Augustana College, Potter Hall, 3701 7th Ave., Rock
Island, IL, http://www.augustana.edu/academics/
theatre/department, Fri Jan 27 thru Sun Feb 5.
The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wildes
classic period comedy; scheduled performances
Thu-Sun; $12-$25; for tickets and information, call
319-366-8591, Theatre Cedar Rapids, 102 3rd St SE,
Cedar Rapids, IA, http://www.theatrecr.org, Fri Jan
27 thru Sat Feb 18.
Spartan Showcase, one-acts, improv, and more,
by students who took their performances to Large
Group Competition; for information, call 563-332-
5151, Pleasant Valley High School - Auditorium, 604
Belmont Rd, Bettendorf, IA, http://www.pleasval.
k12.ia.us/highschool, 7pm Mon Jan 30.
Opening in February
Jenga, written and directed by Deborah Yarchun;
Thu-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; $5; for information, call
319-335-2700, Theatre B - University of Iowa,
Theatre Building, 200 N. Riverside Dr., Iowa City, IA,
http://www.uiowa.edu/~theatre/season/second.
htm, Thu Feb 2 thru Sun Feb 5.
Company, Stephen Sondheims Tony Award-
winning musical about life, love, and middle
age; Fri & Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; $15; for tickets and
information, call 309-235-1654 or e-mail tristan@
districttheatre.com, The District Theatre, 1611 2nd
Ave, Rock Island, IL, http://www.districttheatre.
com, Fri Feb 3 thru Sat Feb 18.
The Color Purple, Tony-winning musical based
on Alice Walkers acclaimed book, in a Broadway at
the Adler Theatre presentation; for tickets, call 800-
645-3000, Adler Theatre, 136 E. 3rd St., Davenport,
IA, http://www.adlertheatre.com, 7:30pm Tue Feb
7.
West Side Story, touring production of the
Tony-winning Broadway revival; Tue-Sat 7:30pm,
Sat 2pm, Sun 1 & 6:30pm; $20 & up; for tickets,
call 800-745-3000, Civic Center of Greater Des
Moines, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA, http://www.
civiccenter.org, Tue Feb 7 thru Sun Feb 12.
The Queen of Bingo, games and comedy in the
famed production starring Shane Partlow; $22.50-
27.50; sandwiches and appetizers available for
purchase; for tickets and information, call 309-786-
7733, extension 2, Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828
3rd Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://www.circa21.com,
7pm Thu Feb 9.
Endgame, Samuel Becketts absurdist classic;
Thu-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2:30pm; for information, call
319-398-5899, Ballantyne Auditorium, Iowa Hall,
Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, IA,
http://www.kirkwood.edu, Thu Feb 9 thru Sun
Feb 12.
Scenery, two-person show-biz comedy by Ed
Dixon; scheduled performances Thursdays thru
Saturdays; $15; for tickets and information, call 309-
235-1654, The District Theatre, 1611 2nd Ave, Rock
Island, IL, http://www.districttheatre.com, Thu Feb
9 thru Sat Feb 25.
On Golden Pond, Ernest Thompsons Tony-
winning comedy-drama; Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm;
Marquetta Senters, Jef Hafner, Amber Snyder, D. Allan Boettger, and James
Fleming in the Old Creamery Theatres A Dont Hug Me Christmas Carol
through December 18
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7, 2011 25 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
$8-$15; for tickets and information, call 563-652-
9815, Ohnward Fine Arts Center, 1215 E Platt St.,
Maquoketa, IA, http://www.ohnwardfineartscenter.
com, Fri Feb 10 thru Sun Feb 12.
Sans Merci, Dreamwell Theatres production of
Johnna Adams drama; venue TBD; Fri & Sat 7:30pm;
for information, e-mail info@dreamwell.com,
Downtown Iowa City, Iowa City, IA, http://www.
dreamwell.com, Fri Feb 10 thru Sat Feb 18.
In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play), Sarah
Ruhls comedy of sexual awakening in the Victorian
era; Thu-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; $10-$17; for information
and tickets, call 319-335-1160, E. C. Mabie Theatre,
University of Iowa Theatre Building - 200 N. Riverside
Dr., Iowa City, IA, http://www.hancher.uiowa.edu/
tickets, Fri Feb 10 thru Sun Feb 19.
Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar
Wilde, Moises Kaufmans drama of the British wits
final years; scheduled performances Thursdays thru
Sundays; $12-$25; for tickets and information, call
319-366-8591, Theatre Cedar Rapids, 102 3rd St SE,
Cedar Rapids, IA, http://www.theatrecr.org, 7:30pm
Fri Feb 10 thru Sun Feb 26.
Fish Face, at 10am & 1pm; an ArtsPower
production that draws from the popular Kids of
the Polk Street School series by author Patricia
Reilly Giff; a presentation in the Lights! Camera!
Learn! series; free, with reservations required; for
information and to reserve, call 309-342-2299 or
e-mail tickets@theorpheum.org, The Orpheum
Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg St., Galesburg, IL, http://www.
theorpheum.org, Mon Feb 13.
Ten-Minute Play Festival, for information, call
319-335-2700, Cosmo Catalano Acting Studio,
Room 172, Theatre Building, Iowa City, IA, http://
www.uiowa.edu/~theatre/season/second.htm,
8pm Thu Feb 16.
Neighborhood 3 Requisition of Doom, horror
videogame satire by Jennifer Haley, directed by
Zachary Mannheimer; Thu-Sun 7:30pm; a presentation
by Locust Productions; for information, call 515-288-
3672, Des Moines Social Club, 1408 Locust St., Des
Moines, IA, http://www.desmoinessocialclub.org,
Thu Feb 16 thru Sun Feb 26.
Equus, a Curtainbox Theatre Company
presentation of Peter Shaffers Tony Award-winning
psychological drama; venue to be determined; Thu-
Sat & Tue 7:30pm, Sun 3pm; for information and
tickets, call 563-650-8121 or e-mail reservations@
thecurtainbox.com, http://thecurtainbox.com, Thu
Feb 16 thru Tue Feb 28.
Skellingtons Last Resort, an interactive
comedy-mystery and dinner with the Its a Mystery
troupe; $35; for information and reservations, call
563-344-9187, Skellington Manor Banquet & Event
Center, 420 18th St, Rock Island, IL, http://www.
itsamysteryqc.com, 6:30pm Fri Feb 17.
Mia the Melodramatic, Junior Theatres
production of a family adventure written and
adapted by JT alum Eileen Boggess; Sat 1 & 4pm,
Sun 2pm; $5 at the door for ages 3 & up; for
information, call 563-326-7862, Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport, IA, http://
www.davenportjuniortheatre.com, Sat Feb 18
thru Sun Feb 26.
Rent: School Edition, minimally-modified
version of Jonathan Larsons musical smash; $10;
6:15pm doors, 7pm show, no audiences admitted
after 7pm; for information, call 309-788-5433 or e-
mail info@center4living.com, The Center for Living
Arts, 2008 4th Ave, Rock Island, IL, http://www.
center4living.com, 7pm Sat Feb 18.
The Rivalry, an L.A. Theatre Works presentation
exploring the Lincoln-Douglas debates conflict and
compromise; $18.50-$42; a Hancher Auditorium
presentation; $22-$40; for tickets and information,
call 319-335-1160, Englert Theatre, 221 East
Washington St., Iowa City, IA, http://www.hancher.
uiowa.edu, 7:30pm Thu Feb 23.
Dr. Faustus, Christopher Marlowe tragedy
directed by Kristin Clippard; Thu-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm;
$5; for information, call 319-335-2700, Theatre B -
University of Iowa, Theatre Building, 200 N. Riverside
Dr., Iowa City, IA, http://www.uiowa.edu/~theatre/
season/second.htm, Thu Feb 23 thru Sun Feb 26.
Puppets & Pastries Dessert Theatre For Adults,
a presentation by the Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre
featuring sweets and beverages; for information,
call 319-627-2487 or e-mail owlglass@avalon.net,
New Strand Theatre, 111 E. 3rd St., West Liberty, IA,
http://www.PuppetsPuppets.com, Fri Feb 24.
Radium Girls, drama about the women who had
mysteriously fallen ill in the 1920s after working on
luminous watches and being exposed to radium; for
information, call 563-332-5151, Pleasant Valley High
School - Auditorium, 604 Belmont Rd, Bettendorf,
IA, http://www.pleasval.k12.ia.us/highschool, 7pm
Fri Feb 24 and Sat Feb 25.
The Plagiarists, debuting drama on art,
relationships, and life, written by Aaron Randolph
III; Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sun 3pm; $7-$11; for tickets
and information, call 563-333-6251, Galvin Fine Arts
Center, 2101 Gaines St., Davenport, IA, http://www.
sau.edu/galvin, Fri Feb 24 thru Sun Feb 26.
South Pacific, Rodgers & Hammersteins
Pulitzer Prize-winning musical classic; $39-$59;
for tickets, call 800-745-3000, Peoria Civic Center,
201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL, http://www.
peoriaciviccenter.com, 7:30pm Tue Feb 28 and
Wed Feb 29.
AU0l7l0N5
Parade - The Pillowman - Avenue Q, auditions
for Aprils productions of the Jason Robert Brown
musical Parade and Martin McDonaghs dark
comedy Pillowman, and Junes production of the
Tony-winning musical Avenue Q; bring a headshot
and resume, and prepare 16 bars if auditioning for
the musicals; be prepared to read from scripts; for
information, call 309-235-1654 or e-mail tristan@
districttheatre.com, The District Theatre, 1611 2nd
Ave, Rock Island, IL, http://www.districttheatre.
com, 1pm Sat Dec 3.
Riverside Theatre Summer Shakespeare
Festival 2012, auditions for productions of As You
Like It, directed by Theodore Swetz and opening
June 15, and The Merchant of Venice, directed by
Kristin Horton and opening June 22; prepare two
contrasting monologues, one classical and one
contemporary, lasting no more than three minutes
total; for information and to schedule an audition,
call 319-338-7672, Riverside Theatre, 213 N. Gilbert
St., Iowa City, IA, http://www.riversidetheatre.org,
12pm Sat Dec 3.
The Plagiarists, auditions for debuting play by
Aaron Randolph III, running Feb. 24-26; be prepared
to read from the script; for information, call 563-
333-6251, Galvin Fine Arts Center, 2101 Gaines St.,
Davenport, IA, http://www.sau.edu, 4pm Wed Dec
7 and Thu Dec 8.
If Its Monday, This Must Be Murder, auditions
for comedy-mystery running Mar. 9-18, directed
by Gary Clark; for information, call 309-762-0330,
Playcrafters Barn Theatre, 4950 35th Ave., Moline,
IL, http://www.playcrafters.com, 7pm Sun Jan 15
thru Tue Jan 17.
Reasons to Be Pretty, auditions for studio-
theatre presentation of Neil LaButes dark comedy,
running March 22-24; be prepared to read from the
script; for information, call 563-333-6251, Studio
Theatre - Galvin Fine Arts Center, St. Ambrose
University, 2101 Gaines St., Davenport, IA, http://
www.sau.edu, 4pm Tue Feb 7 and Wed Feb 8.
A Midsummer Nights Dream, auditions for
William Shakespeares comedy, running Apr. 13-15;
be prepared to read from the script; Mon 5pm, Wed
4pm; for information, call 563-333-6251, Galvin Fine
Arts Center, 2101 Gaines St., Davenport, IA, http://
www.sau.edu, Mon Feb 27 and Wed Feb 29.
CLA555
Curtainbox Theatre Company: Private Acting
Coaching, we offer private coaching for Stage,
Musical Theatre, and Film Acting, College Audition
Prep, and Professional Audition Prep; one-on-
one coaching is available to students starting at
age five; be sure to ask about rates, availability,
and instructors; for information, contact Kimberly
Furness at 563-322-8504 or Kim@thecurtainbox.
com, Curtainbox Theatre & Conservatory, 2850
Eastern Ave., Suite #200, Davenport, IA, http://
thecurtainbox.com, Wed Nov 23 thru Wed Feb 29.
Continued On Page 28
Thank you.
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7,2011 26 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
Whats Happenin
Lecture
Eboo Patel
Centennial Hall
Thursday, December 1, 10:30 a.m.
D
o you ever experience
those days where
you feel like youve done
nothing significant with
your life? If not, allow me
to say (a) congratulations,
and (b) you might want
to consider attending
Augustana Colleges
December 1 presentation
with Eboo Patel. I guarantee, youll feel like the rest of us
in no time.
It would probably be enough for Patel, a native of the
Chicago suburbs, to have attended Oxford University, where
he studied on a Rhodes scholarship, and where he received
his doctorate in the sociology of religion. And it would
probably be more than enough for the man to have served
on the advisory board of Duke Universitys Islamic Studies
Center, and to have had his own blog, The Faith Divide,
on the Web site for the Washington Post.
But at age 35, heres just a short list of Patels other
notable accomplishments:
He was a member of President Obamas inaugural
Advisory Council on Faith-Based Neighborhood
Partnerships.
Hes the founder and executive director of the
Chicago-based organization Interfaith Youth Core, a
national movement with a presence at some 150 colleges
and universities.
Hes the author of the award-winning book Acts of
Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the
Soul of a Generation.
He was named One of Americas Best Leaders of 2009
by U.S. News & World Report.
And he just received the $50,000 Guru Nanak Interfaith
Prize, awarded biannually to individuals or organizations that
promote religious dialogue in the pursuit of peace.
Presenting a lecture titled Acts of Faith: Interfaith
Leadership in a Time of Global Religious Crisis, Patel is sure
to deliver both insight and inspiration when he appears in
Augustanas Centennial Hall. And if youd like to know more
about the man before his area arrival, be sure to follow him
on Twitter (@eboopatel), where recent posts mention his new
book in the works, his meeting with the Dalai Lama, and how
much he enjoys Seth Rogen and the film 50/50.
All these accomplishments and he reviews movies? Now I
really feel like Ive done nothing significant with my life.
For more information on Eboo Patels Quad Cities
appearance, call (309)794-7721 or visit Augustana.edu.
Theatre
Tartuffe
Skellington Manor
Friday, December 2, through Sunday, December 11
T
he Prenzie Players latest show
Is called Tartuffe. Youll want to go
Because the plays by Molire
(Hence, diff rent from their Shakespare fare)
And as an author, it is writ,
His works all boast ferocious wit,
With characters both vain and wise
Who cloak their truths in silly lies.
Tartuffe, for sure, is of this bent:
He gets in a predicament
That leads to much chicanery
Amongst the aristocracy.
The plays a hoot (and I should know
I acted in it years ago),
And given those in Prenzies cast
This thing cant help but be a blast.
Theres Yoder, Moeller, Sheridan,
and Angie Rathman. Oh, and then
Makula (Jeb) and Driscoll (Jim)
Theyre sure to act with style and vim.
So get your tickets to Tartuffe
(The sales just might go through the roof)
And revel in the joy and ease
Of rhymes far cleverer than these.
Tartuffe will be performed Fridays through
Sundays, December 2 through 11, at Rock Islands
Skellington Manor, and tickets are available by
calling (309)278-8426 or visiting PrenziePlayers.
com.
A n s w e r s : 1 B , 2 A , 3 C , 4 A , 5 B , 6 A , 7 C , 8 C , 9 B . A n d i f y o u r e w o n d e r i n g a b o u t t h e l o c a t i o n o f t h a t l a s t s o n g , I m t h i n k i n g t h a t o n D e c e m b e r 3 , i t s g o n n a b e R I B C O .
Music
Daytrotter Wish List Benefit Concert
featuring M. Ward
Rock Island Brewing Company
Saturday, December 3, 8 p.m.
B
ack in the 80s, after
attending a stage
production in Chicago, I
met actress Kim Cattrall.
Cattrall was in Sex & the
City with Sarah Jessica
Parker. Parker was in the movie Failure to Launch with
Zooey Deschanel. Deschanel performs in the indie-
pop duo She & Him with M. Ward. That makes me
separated by Ward by only four degrees. Cool.
Of course, its possible to boast a separation-degree of one,
if youre lucky enough to chat with the
singer/songwriter after his December
3 engagement at the Rock Island
Brewing Company. Performing in a
Daytrotter-sponsored benefit concert,
with all proceeds benefiting the Quad-
City Times Wish List Fund, Ward will
headline the evenings event with his
incredible guitar-playing prowess and
signature vocal stylings a blend that
led Gibson.com to call Ward the guy
who makes new music sound like its
from a 1940s radio show, and who makes old songs feel like
they could have been written yesterday.
With the Los Angeles Times describing the musician as
a gifted writer with a rich, understated feel for tales, and
the Daily Nebraskan calling him our generations greatest
lyricist, Wards songwriting skills are as notable as his
performance gifts, all of which are evidenced by the mans
offerings as a solo artist, as half of She & Him, and as a
member of the super-group Monsters of Folk. Test your
knowledge of M. Wards output in the quiz above. Which
songs are from his solo CD Hold Time, which are from She
& Hims Volume Two, and which are from the Monsters of
Folks self-titled debut?
M. Ward performs Daytrotters Wish List Benefit with
guest musicians Laura Marling, Carlos Forster, and Mike
Coykendall, and for more information on the night, call
(309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
1) Baby Boomer
2) For Beginners
3) Im Gonna Make It Better
4) Jailbird
5) Losin Yo Head
6) One Hundred Million Years
7) Over It Over Again
8) Ridin in My Car
9) The Right Place
A) Hold Time
B) Monsters of Folk
C) Volume Two
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7, 2011 27 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
Lecture
Eboo Patel
Centennial Hall
Thursday, December 1, 10:30 a.m.
D
o you ever experience
those days where
you feel like youve done
nothing significant with
your life? If not, allow me
to say (a) congratulations,
and (b) you might want
to consider attending
Augustana Colleges
December 1 presentation
with Eboo Patel. I guarantee, youll feel like the rest of us
in no time.
It would probably be enough for Patel, a native of the
Chicago suburbs, to have attended Oxford University, where
he studied on a Rhodes scholarship, and where he received
his doctorate in the sociology of religion. And it would
probably be more than enough for the man to have served
on the advisory board of Duke Universitys Islamic Studies
Center, and to have had his own blog, The Faith Divide,
on the Web site for the Washington Post.
But at age 35, heres just a short list of Patels other
notable accomplishments:
He was a member of President Obamas inaugural
Advisory Council on Faith-Based Neighborhood
Partnerships.
Hes the founder and executive director of the
Chicago-based organization Interfaith Youth Core, a
national movement with a presence at some 150 colleges
and universities.
Hes the author of the award-winning book Acts of
Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the
Soul of a Generation.
He was named One of Americas Best Leaders of 2009
by U.S. News & World Report.
And he just received the $50,000 Guru Nanak Interfaith
Prize, awarded biannually to individuals or organizations that
promote religious dialogue in the pursuit of peace.
Presenting a lecture titled Acts of Faith: Interfaith
Leadership in a Time of Global Religious Crisis, Patel is sure
to deliver both insight and inspiration when he appears in
Augustanas Centennial Hall. And if youd like to know more
about the man before his area arrival, be sure to follow him
on Twitter (@eboopatel), where recent posts mention his new
book in the works, his meeting with the Dalai Lama, and how
much he enjoys Seth Rogen and the film 50/50.
All these accomplishments and he reviews movies? Now I
really feel like Ive done nothing significant with my life.
For more information on Eboo Patels Quad Cities
appearance, call (309)794-7721 or visit Augustana.edu.
Literature
Jill Alexander Essbaum
Wallenberg Hall
Wednesday, November 30, 7 p.m.
T
he latest guest in the colleges River
Readings at Augustana series is
the famed Christian erotic poet Jill
Alexander Essbaum, and if youre at all
put off by the accompanying photo of
the author, you may want to steer clear
of her poem titled On Reading Poorly
Transcribed Erotica, which
begins: She stood before
him wearing only pantries
/ and he groped for her
Volvo under the gauze. /
She had saved her public
hair, and his cook / went
hard as a fist. They fell to
the bad. Believe me when I say it just
gets dirtier, and funnier, from there.
The 1999 winner of the renowned
Bakeless Prize for poetry, Essbaum has
stated that her works focus solely on
her three biggest obsessions: God, sex,
and death. And according to reviewers,
theyre subjects that Essbaum the
author of a half-dozen published
poetry collections has explored with
fascinating, evocative, and oftentimes
hilarious artfulness. (Not for nothing
did she receive a fellowship from the
National Endowment for the Arts.)
Writing in the blog Strong Verse,
critic G.M. Palmer raved, No poet
today dares play with such spiritual
fire like Jill Alexander Essbaum does.
Her poems skirt the edge of blasphemy
and pray for re-readings and a spiritual
embrace ... . A reader would be hard-
pressed to find finer contemporary
verse.
The literary magazine Coldfront
found critic Rick Marlatt writing,
Known for their remarkable mix of
eroticism and religiosity, Jill Alexander
Essbaums poems vibrate with well-
proportioned rhymes, unforgettable
imagery, and a unique realization of
form.
But perhaps the best way
to get a sense of Essbaum is
to read the artists thesis ...
or rather, her anti-thesis, as
stated on the online journal
Anti-Poetry.com: Things
Im against: Poetries that take
themselves too seriously.
Humorless poetries. Vague,
forgettable words. The overuse of
gerunds. Craftlessness. Boredom-
inducing poems. Half-assed-ness
in all forms. Poetries that dont
take themselves seriously enough.
Experimental art that isnt. Formal
fascism. And, for what its worth, Im
also against Scientology.
And you thought Augustanas night
of poetry readings might be dry.
Jill Alexander Essbaum reads from
her works in Wallenberg Hall on
November 30, and more information
on her appearance is available by
calling (309)794-7721 or visiting
Augustana.edu.
by Mike Schulz
mike@rcreader.com
What Ise
ls Happenin
MUSIC
Saturday, November 26 Birthday Bash
for the Queen of Rust. Celebration for Danielle
Colby-Cushman of American Pickers and
Burlesque Le Moustache fame, with music by
The Dirt Daubers, Sean & Zander, The Calamity
Cubes, Willie Tea Taylor, and The Krank Daddies.
Rock Island Brewing Company (1815 Second
Avenue, Rock Island). 9 p.m. $10. For information,
call (309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
Saturday, November 26 Little River Band.
Concert with the legendary Australian vocal
band. Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center
(1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf). 7:30 p.m. $20-30.
For tickets and information, call (800)724-5825 or
visit Bettendorf.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com.
Saturday, November 26 Carol Montag.
Acclaimed folk singer/songwriter in concert.
Ohnward Fine Arts Center (1215 East Platt
Street, Maquoketa). 7 p.m. $10-20. For tickets
and information, call (563)652-9815 or visit
OhnwardFineArtsCenter.com.
Saturday, November 26 Kelly
Pardekooper. CD-release show with the singer/
songwriter and native Iowan. Englert Theatre
(221 East Washington Street, Iowa City). 8 p.m.
$12. For tickets and information, call (319)688-
2653 or visit Englert.org.
Sunday, November 27 Boston Esplanade
Orchestra with Rockapella. The renowned
musicians and a cappella vocalists in their 2011
Holiday Pops Tour,in a Hancher Auditorium
Presentation. Carver-Hawkeye Arena (1 Elliot
Drive, Iowa City). 7 p.m. $17.50-90. For tickets
and information, call (319)335-1160 or visit
Continued On Page 42
A n s w e r s : 1 B , 2 A , 3 C , 4 A , 5 B , 6 A , 7 C , 8 C , 9 B . A n d i f y o u r e w o n d e r i n g a b o u t t h e l o c a t i o n o f t h a t l a s t s o n g , I m t h i n k i n g t h a t o n D e c e m b e r 3 , i t s g o n n a b e R I B C O .
Music
Daytrotter Wish List Benefit Concert
featuring M. Ward
Rock Island Brewing Company
Saturday, December 3, 8 p.m.
B
ack in the 80s, after
attending a stage
production in Chicago, I
met actress Kim Cattrall.
Cattrall was in Sex & the
City with Sarah Jessica
Parker. Parker was in the movie Failure to Launch with
Zooey Deschanel. Deschanel performs in the indie-
pop duo She & Him with M. Ward. That makes me
separated by Ward by only four degrees. Cool.
Of course, its possible to boast a separation-degree of one,
if youre lucky enough to chat with the
singer/songwriter after his December
3 engagement at the Rock Island
Brewing Company. Performing in a
Daytrotter-sponsored benefit concert,
with all proceeds benefiting the Quad-
City Times Wish List Fund, Ward will
headline the evenings event with his
incredible guitar-playing prowess and
signature vocal stylings a blend that
led Gibson.com to call Ward the guy
who makes new music sound like its
from a 1940s radio show, and who makes old songs feel like
they could have been written yesterday.
With the Los Angeles Times describing the musician as
a gifted writer with a rich, understated feel for tales, and
the Daily Nebraskan calling him our generations greatest
lyricist, Wards songwriting skills are as notable as his
performance gifts, all of which are evidenced by the mans
offerings as a solo artist, as half of She & Him, and as a
member of the super-group Monsters of Folk. Test your
knowledge of M. Wards output in the quiz above. Which
songs are from his solo CD Hold Time, which are from She
& Hims Volume Two, and which are from the Monsters of
Folks self-titled debut?
M. Ward performs Daytrotters Wish List Benefit with
guest musicians Laura Marling, Carlos Forster, and Mike
Coykendall, and for more information on the night, call
(309)793-4060 or visit RIBCO.com.
1) Baby Boomer
2) For Beginners
3) Im Gonna Make It Better
4) Jailbird
5) Losin Yo Head
6) One Hundred Million Years
7) Over It Over Again
8) Ridin in My Car
9) The Right Place
A) Hold Time
B) Monsters of Folk
C) Volume Two
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7,2011 28 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
Beginning Adult Acting, Tuesdays thru Mar.
13; intended for the beginning actor, the class
covers the basics of acting, terminology, and
what goes into the theatre process; culminates
in a performance the last week of class; $90; for
information, call 563-326-7862, Davenport Junior
Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport, IA, http://
www.davenportjuniortheatre.com, 7:15pm Tue
Jan 10.
PRF0RMANC5
December
UI Dance Collaborative Performance, featuring
performances by University of Iowa dance students;
for tickets and information, call 319-335-1160,
Space/Place Theatre, North Hall, UI Campus, Iowa
City, IA, http://www.hancher.uiowa.edu/tickets,
8pm Thu Dec 1 thru Sat Dec 3.
The Nutcracker, the holiday classic presented
by the Englert Theatre & the Nolte Academy of
Dance; featuring a live orchestra of local musicians,
conducted by Carey Bostian; Fri & Sat 7:30pm, Sat
& Sun 2pm; $16-22; for tickets and information, call
319-688-2653, Englert Theatre, 221 East Washington
St., Iowa City, IA, http://www.englert.org, Fri Dec 2
thru Sun Dec 4.
The Moscow Ballets Great Russian Nutcracker,
featuring larger-than-life puppets, hand-painted
backdrops, hundreds of original Russian costumes,
and the world-renowned dancers; Mon. 7:30pm,
Tue. 2pm; $30-$50; for tickets and information, call
309-342-2299, The Orpheum Theatre, 57 S. Kellogg
St., Galesburg, IL, http://www.theorpheum.org,
Mon Dec 5 and Tue Dec 6.
Ballet Quad Cities Nutcracker Behind-the-
Scenes Sneak Peek, for groups of 20 or more; see
what goes on behind the scenes of The Nutcracker
ballet during dress rehearsal; $20/person; all ticket
sales go to BQCs anti-bullying program in area
schools; for information, call 309-786-3779, Adler
Theatre, 136 E. 3rd St., Davenport, IA, http://www.
balletquadcities.com, Thu Dec 8.
UI Dance Graduate/Undergraduate Concert,
featuring performances by University of Iowa
dance students; for tickets and information, call
319-335-1160, Space/Place Theatre, North Hall, UI
Campus, Iowa City, IA, http://www.hancher.uiowa.
edu/tickets, 8pm Thu Dec 8 thru Sat Dec 10.
The Nutcracker, Ballet Quad Citiesproduction of
the holiday classic; Sat & Sun 2pm, Sat. 8pm; $10-35;
for tickets, call 800-745-3000, Adler Theatre, 136 E.
3rd St., Davenport, IA, http://www.balletquadcities.
com, Sat Dec 10 and Sun Dec 11.
The Nutcracker, Tchaikovskys masterpiece
performed by the Peoria Ballet; Sat. 7:30pm, Sun
2pm; $10-43; for tickets, call 800-745-3000, Peoria
Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL, http://
www.peoriaciviccenter.com, Sat Dec 10 and Sun
Dec 11.
UI Dance Dance Forum/UI Youth Ballet Winter
Concert, featuring performances by University
of Iowa dance students; Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm; for
tickets and information, call 319-335-1160, Space/
Place Theatre, North Hall, UI Campus, Iowa City, IA,
http://www.hancher.uiowa.edu/tickets, Sat Dec 17
and Sun Dec 18.
January & February
Rioult, modern dance company with a
reputation for creating and presenting the sensual,
articulate, and exquisitely musical works of Pascal
Rioulta; a presentation in the Galvin Fine Arts series
and the Quad City Arts Visiting Artist series; $8-$11;
for information, call 563-333-6251, Galvin Fine Arts
Center, 2101 Gaines St., Davenport, IA, http://www.
sau.edu, 7:30pm Sat Jan 28.
Love Stories: Love on the Run!, an evening
of mixed repertoire with Ballet Quad Cities; Fri
& Sat 8pm, Sat 2pm; for information, call 309-
786-3779; Wallenberg Hall, Augustana College,
3520 7th Avenue, Rock Island, IL, http://www.
balletquadcities.com, Fri Feb 17 and Sat Feb 18.
UI Dance Faculty/Graduate Concert, featuring
performances by University of Iowa dancers; for
tickets and information, call 319-335-1160, Space/
Place Theatre, North Hall, UI Campus, Iowa City, IA,
http://www.hancher.uiowa.edu/tickets, 8pm Thu
Feb 16 thru Sat Feb 18.
Diavolo, performance by the Los Angeles-based
dance company, in which everyday items such as
doors, chairs and stairways provide the backdrop
for dramatic movement that creates metaphors for
the challenge of relationships, the absurdities of
life, and the struggle to maintain our humanity in
an increasingly technological world; an in-theater
conversation and Q&A with the dancers follows
the performance; $27.50 & up; for tickets, call 800-
745-3000, Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, 221
Walnut St., Des Moines, IA, http://www.civiccenter.
org, 7:30pm Sat Feb 18.
CLA555 & VN75
Ongoing
Ballroom Dance, on Wednesdays; for
information, call 309-798-0279 or e-mail
qcsoda@gmail.com, QC SoDa Dance Studio,
1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.qcsoda.
com, 7:15pm Wed Nov 23 thru Wed Dec 28.
Ballroom Dance Lessons, on Wednesdays;
$8; for information, call 309-798-0279 or e-mail
qcsoda@gmail.com, QC SoDa Dance Studio,
1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.qcsoda.
com, 6:30pm Wed Nov 23 thru Wed Dec 28.
Beginners Ballroom Dance Lessons, on
Wednesdays; $8; for information, call 309-798-
0279 or e-mail qcsoda@gmail.com, QC SoDa
Dance Studio, 1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL, http://
www.qcsoda.com, 6:30pm Wed Nov 23 thru
Wed Dec 28.
A. Rhythmic Time Dance Lessons, private
and group lessons available in swing, ballroom,
hip-hop, Latin, tango, and more; for information,
call 309-786-4800, A. Rhythmic Time Dance
Studio, 5447 3rd Ave. Unit B, Moline, IL, http://
www.arhythmictime.com, Wed Nov 23 thru
Wed Feb 29.
Learn to Dance the Arthur Murray Way,
teaching dance to the world for 97 years; first
lesson free; mention this notification and save
up to 25%; for information, call 563-326-4321,
Arthur Murray Dance Studios, 221 1/2 Brady St,
Davenport, IA, http://www.arthurmurray.com,
Wed Nov 23 thru Wed Feb 29.
A. Rhythmic Time Social Dance, on
Thursdays with the dance studio students; for
information, call 309-786-4800, A. Rhythmic
Time Dance Studio, 5447 3rd Ave. Unit B, Moline,
IL, http://www.arhythmictime.com, 8pm Thu
Nov 24 thru Thu Dec 29.
Beginners Salsa Lessons, on Thursdays; $7;
for information, call 309-798-0279 or e-mail
qcsoda@gmail.com, QC SoDa Dance Studio,
1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.qcsoda.
com, 6:30pm Thu Nov 24 thru Thu Dec 29.
Salsa Lessons, on Fridays; learn the basics,
and then move into more intermediate material
as the night progresses; $7; for information, call
309-798-0279 or e-mail qcsoda@gmail.com, QC
SoDa Dance Studio, 1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL,
http://www.qcsoda.com, 7pm Fri Nov 25 thru
Fri Dec 30.
Line Dance Lessons, on Saturdays; learn
line dances that go with all kinds of music; $7;
for information, call 309-798-0279 or e-mail
qcsoda@gmail.com, QC SoDa Dance Studio,
1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.qcsoda.
com, 11am Sat Nov 26 thru Sat Dec 31.
Hip Hop Dance Class, on Sundays; taught
by LaDerrick Gamble; ages 15 & under must be
accompanied by an adult; for information, call
309-631-4525, Voss Brothers Lofts Building, 219
21st St, Rock Island, IL, 5pm Sun Nov 27 thru
Sun Dec 25.
Belly Dance Lessons, on Mondays; $8;
for information, call 309-798-0279 or e-mail
qcsoda@gmail.com, QC SoDa Dance Studio,
1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.qcsoda.
com, 6pm Mon Nov 28 thru Mon Dec 26.
Salsa Lessons, on Mondays; learn the basics,
and then move into more intermediate material
as the night progresses; $7; for information, call
309-798-0279 or e-mail qcsoda@gmail.com, QC
SoDa Dance Studio, 1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL,
http://www.qcsoda.com, 7pm Mon Nov 28 thru
Mon Dec 26.
West Coast Lessons, on Mondays; $8;
for information, call 309-798-0279 or e-mail
qcsoda@gmail.com, QC SoDa Dance Studio,
1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.qcsoda.
com, 7pm Mon Nov 28 thru Mon Dec 26.
Flight School Dance Party, on Tuesdays; $2
cocktails, Iowa City Yacht Club, 13 S Linn St, Iowa
City, IA, http://www.iowacityyachtclub.org, 8pm
Tue Nov 29 thru Tue Dec 27.
Beginners Swing Lessons, on Tuesdays;
Korah takes the beginners through the basics
of east coast; afterward, the class joins the
intermediate class for a 7:15pm dance; $8;
for information, call 309-798-0279 or e-mail
qcsoda@gmail.com, QC SoDa Dance Studio,
1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.qcsoda.
com, 6:30pm Tue Nov 29 thru Tue Dec 27.
Intermediate Swing Lessons, on Tuesdays;
Gunter teaches east coast steps and integrates
some lindy, charleston, and other dances; class
joins the beginners class afterward for a 7:15pm
dance; $8; for information, call 309-798-0279
or e-mail qcsoda@gmail.com, QC SoDa Dance
Studio, 1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.
qcsoda.com, 6:30pm Tue Nov 29 thru Tue Dec
27.
Swing Dance, on Tuesdays; practice your
steps or come for the great music; $8, free with
registration in class; $8; for information, call
309-798-0279 or e-mail qcsoda@gmail.com, QC
SoDa Dance Studio, 1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL,
http://www.qcsoda.com, 7:15pm Tue Nov 29
thru Tue Dec 27.
December thru February
Social Dance @ QC SoDa, 6:30pm class with
Gunter, 7pm dance with DJ Amy; $10, or $4 for
students; for information, call 309-798-0279 or e-
mail qcsoda@gmail.com, QC SoDa Dance Studio,
1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.qcsoda.com,
6:30pm Sat Dec 3.
Social Dance @ QC SoDa, 6:30pm class with
Gunter, 7pm dance with DJ Amy; $10, or $4 for
students; for information, call 309-798-0279 or e-
mail qcsoda@gmail.com, QC SoDa Dance Studio,
1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.qcsoda.com,
6:30pm Sat Dec 17.
Jazz / Hip-Hop for Adults, Wednesdays thru
Mar. 14; high-energy, contemporary routines
using current moves and popular music; $65; for
information and to register, call 563-326-7862,
Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport, IA, http://www.davenportjuniortheatre.
com, 7:30pm Wed Jan 11.
Social Dance @ QC SoDa, 6:30pm class with
Gunter, 7pm dance with DJ Amy; $10, or $4 for
students; for information, call 309-798-0279 or e-
mail qcsoda@gmail.com, QC SoDa Dance Studio,
1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.qcsoda.com,
6:30pm Sat Jan 21.
Social Dance @ QC SoDa, 6:30pm class with
Gunter, 7pm dance with DJ Amy; $10, or $4 for
students; for information, call 309-798-0279 or e-
mail qcsoda@gmail.com, QC SoDa Dance Studio,
1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.qcsoda.com,
6:30pm Sat Feb 18.
Ongoing
Half-Price Studio Wednesdays, 1/2-price
studio fee all day; for information, call 309-762-
2224, Fireworks Coffeehouse, 2139 16th St.,
Moline, IL, http://www.fireworksmoline.com,
6:30am Wed Nov 23 thru Wed Dec 28.
Quad Cities Trivia, on Wednesdays; free;
for information, call 309-623-4818 or e-mail
alueders@quadcitiestrivia.com, Twenty Sports
Grille & Nightclub, 1405 5th Ave., Moline, IL,
http://www.facebook.com/quadcitiestrivia,
7pm Wed Nov 23 thru Wed Dec 28.
Free Pool Night, on Wednesdays; for
information, call 309-517-1040, McManus Pub,
1401 7th Ave, Moline, IL, Wed Nov 23 thru Wed
Feb 29.
Senior Independence, on Thursdays;
senior advocate Vicky Ertel is available to help
link older adults, their family members, and
caregivers with local, state, and federal benefits
and programs to help them remain in their
home for as long as possible; meet with Vicky to
discuss options to stay independent, enjoy an
improved quality of life, and remain connected
to your community; for information, call 563-
386-7477, CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1035
W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA, http://www.
casiseniors.org, 10am Nov 24 thru Dec 27.
Quad Cities Trivia, on Thursdays; free;
for information, call 309-623-4818 or e-mail
alueders@quadcitiestrivia.com, Brady Street
Pub, 217 Brady St., Davenport, IA, http://www.
facebook.com/quadcitiestrivia, 8pm Nov 24
thru Dec 29.
Sunday Jazz Brunch at Bix Bistro, seating at
10:30am & 12:30pm; with unlimited complimentary
mimosas or bloody Marys, and music by the Josh
Duffee Band; $17.95 adults, $8.95 ages 12 & under;
for information and to reserve, call 563-484-5900,
Hotel Blackhawk, 200 E. 3rd St., Davenport, IA,
http://www.hotelblackhawk.com, Sun Nov 27
thru Sun Dec 25.
Prayers for World Peace, on Sundays; share
a short series of Buddhist prayers extracted
from texts by Shantideva and Geshe Langri
Tangpa by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso;
free; for information, call 563-322-1600, Lamrim
Kadampa Buddhist Center, 502 1/2 3rd St.,
Davenport, IA, http://www.meditateiniowa.org,
10am Sun Nov 27 thru Sun Feb 26.
Mocha Mondays, $2 mochas every Monday;
for information, call 309-762-2224, Fireworks
Coffeehouse, 2139 16th St., Moline, IL, http://
www.fireworksmoline.com, 6:30am Mon Nov
28 thru Mon Dec 26.
Shuffleboard, on Mondays; $2 for members;
for information, call 563-386-7477, CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly Road,
Davenport, IA, http://www.casiseniors.org,
2:15pm Nov 28 thru Dec 26.
Tuesday Trivia, for information, call 563-359-
1015, Uptown Neighborhood Bar and Grill, 2340
Spruce Hills Dr., Bettendorf, IA, http://www.
myspace.com/uptownneighborhoodbar, Nov
29 thru Dec 27.
November
Quad City Arts Festival of Trees, annual
event featuring holiday vendors and exhibits;
Ron Clark in Riverside Theatres Small
Miracles November 25 through 27
Continued From Page 25
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7, 2011 29 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
$3-$8; for information and a daily schedule, call
563-324-3378, Davenport RiverCenter, 136 E.
3rd St, Davenport, IA, http://www.quadcityarts.
com/festoftrees.asp, Wed Nov 23 thru Sun Nov
27.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner, the
church will provide the main dish, drinks, and
dessert; feel free, but not obligated, to bring a
dish to share; for information, call 309-786-2631
or e-mail broadway@broadwayqc.org, Broadway
Presbyterian Church, 710 23rd St., Rock Island, IL,
http://www.BroadwayQC.org, 1pm Thu Nov 24.
Complimentary Thanksgiving Dinner, the
Rescue Missions Chef, Kenny Anderson, will
serve the traditional menu of turkey, mashed
potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, green
bean salad, corn casserole and rolls, salad, and
dessert; for information, call 309-786-5734 and
ask for Chef Kenny., Christian Care, 2209 3rd Ave.,
Rock Island, IL, http://www.ChristianCareQC.org,
12pm Thu Nov 24.
Johnnys Italian Steakhouse Thanksgiving
Buffet, $10-20, highchair age agree; for
information and to reserve, call 309-736-0100,
Johnnys Italian Steakhouse, 1300 River Dr,
Moline, IL, http://www.johnnysitaliansteakhouse.
com, 11am Thu Nov 24.
Thunder Bay Grille Thanksgiving Buffet,
$7.99-$15.99, ages 4 & under free; for information
and to reserve, call 563-386-2722, Thunder Bay
Grille, 6511 North Brady, Davenport, IA, 11am
Thu Nov 24.
Friday Martini Madness, a featured martini
for $6.95 and a choice appetizer for $6.95; today
- Tataki Tuna paired with a Pomegranate Tini; for
information and to reserve, call 309-762-4700,
Bass Street Chop House, 1601 River Dr, Moline,
IL, http://www.bschouse.com, Fri Nov 25.
Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber
of Commerce 3rd Annual Holiday Fiesta,
reserve by Nov. 25 for Dec. 1 event; music, food
from Restaurante El Mariachi, a cash bar, silent
auction items, and more; $10-25; for information
and to reserve, e-mail info@gqchcc.com, Quad
City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Ave., Rock Island,
IL, http://www.gqchcc.com, 5:30pm Fri Nov 25.
Christmas Craft Show, hundreds of hand-
crafted items available for purchase; $4, ages 12
& under free; for information, call 309-788-5912,
QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Ave., Rock Island, IL,
http://www.qccaexpocenter.com, 10am Fri Nov
25 thru Sun Nov 27.
Trivia Night Fundraiser for the Pleasant
Valley Wrestling Club, $10/player, with as many
people on a team as you want; the winning
team will receive their entry fee back; with raffle
items, drink specials starting at 7pm, and more;
for information, contact Tammy Speidel at 563-
343-8608 or basketbyr@yahoo.com, Bier Stube
LeClaire, 1001 Canal Shore Dr., LeClaire, IA, 8pm
Tue Nov 29.
Specifically for Seniors: Holiday Party,
choirs, a soloist, skits, gift ideas, and holiday
refreshments will combine for a lively event; free;
for information, call 563-421-2198, Fairmount
Street Library, 3000 N. Fairmount St., Davenport,
IA, http://www.davenportlibrary.com, 1pm Wed
Nov 30.
December
Holiday Bus Trip: Peoria Festival of Lights,
reserve by Dec. 1 for Dec. 8 trip; featuring a
stop at the Jim Kightlingers Antique shop
(featuring over 3500 holiday ornaments),
an Italian buffet at Avantis Restaurant, and
a viewing of the Festival of Lights from the
comfort of the motorcoach; all proceeds help
support the educational programs and gardens
of the Quad City Botanical Center; $65-75; for
information, call 309-794-0991 ext. 30 or e-mail
vs@qcgardens.com, Quad City Botanical Center,
2525 4th Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://www.
qcgardens.com, 1:30pm Thu Dec 1.
Holiday Walk Atop College Hill, stroll the
antique & retail shops on College Hill for unique
holiday gifts, caroling, refreshments, luminaria,
and prize drawings, and bring the kids to see
Santa; free, 14th Avenue & 30th Street, Rock
Island, IL, 4pm Thu Dec 1.
The Project of the Quad Cities Ribbon-
Cutting & Dinner, a short annual meeting and
ceremony followed by dinner, with childrens
activities; for information, call 309-762-5433, The
Project of the Quad Cities, 2316 5th Ave, Moline,
IL, http://www.apqc4life.org, Thu Dec 1.
Chick-fil-A All Pro Dads Day, monthly
breakfast where fathers and their kids, grades
one and up, meet with other dads and kids
and discuss a wide range of family topics, and
are equipped with resources to strengthen
relationships; each participating family will
receive a free Chick-fil-A Breakfast entre; prize
giveaways; for information, call 563-355-
1742, Chick-fil-A at Davenport, 2945 E 53rd
St, Davenport, IA, http://www.allprodad.com/
dd/1860, 9am Sat Dec 3.
Holiday Shopping Trip to Chicago, ride
a deluxe charter bus to Michigan Avenue in
downtown Chicago; the, Rock Island County
Extension, 321 W 2nd Ave, Milan, IL, http://www.
extension.illinois.edu/rockisland, 7:30am Sat
Dec 3.
19th-Century Christmas, annual event
featuring holiday decorations; an appearance
by Santa and Mrs. Claus; performances by
the Moline Boys Choir, pianist/organist Selma
Johnson, harpist Caitlin Thom, the Slide
Trombone Quartet, and more; face-painting;
a caricature artist; an art show; make-and-take
craft; and more; free; for information, call 309-
743-2701, Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman
House, 1105 8th Street, Moline, IL, http://www.
butterworthcenter.com, 12pm Sun Dec 4.
All You Can Eat Breakfast, serving pancakes,
eggs, breakfast meats, potatoes, biscuits & gravy,
pastries, coffee, juice, and milk; $6, Davenport
American Legion, 702 W. 35th St., Davenport, IA,
http://www.iowalegion26.org, 7am Sun Dec 4.
Feast of St. Ambrose Celebration Mass,
beautifully adorned for the holidays, the chapel
will be filled with music and prayer as the
university celebrates its patron saint; free; for
information, contact Rev. Charles Adam at 563-
333-6151, Christ the King Chapel, St. Ambrose
University Campus, Davenport, IA, http://www.
sau.edu, 6:30pm Sun Dec 4.
Rock Island Historical Society Christmas
Open House, featuring a special exhibit on the
impact of the American Civil War on, Rock Island
Historical Society, 822 11th Ave., Moline, IL, 1pm
Sun Dec 4.
Winter in Bloom, featuring holiday goodies,
horse-drawn carriage rides, and a visit from
Santa Claus; for information, call 309-732-2132,
Hauberg Civic Center Mansion, 1300 24th St.,
Rock Island, IL, http://www.rigov.org, 12pm Sun
Dec 4.
Food for Fines, patrons may bring in canned
goods worth up to $5 in waived library fines,
with each can or box of food equal to $1; food
will be donated to the River Bend Food Pantry;
for information, call 309-524-2470, Moline
Public Library, 3210 41st St, Moline, IL, http://
www.molinelibrary.com, Mon Dec 5 thru Sun
Dec 11.
Champagne & Sparkling Wines for the
Holidays, tastings and food with Dmitri
Papageorgiou; $40; for information, call 309-
732-7275, Hauberg Civic Center Mansion, 1300
24th St., Rock Island, IL, http://www.rigov.org,
6:30pm Thu Dec 8.
Season of Light, a multimedia planetarium
show that uses the planetarium sky projector,
astronomical images, music, and narration
projected onto a 30-foot dome to tell the story
of how our holiday traditions are connected
to the sky; late-comers will not be admitted;
not recommended for ages 7 & under; free; for
information, e-mail kerirursch@augustana.edu
or call 309-794-7721, John Deere Planetarium -
Augustana College, 820 38th Street, Rock Island,
IL, http://helios.augustana.edu/astronomy, 2pm
Sat Dec 10 thru Fri Dec 16.
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Quad Cities Center
1401 Kimberly Road, Bettendorf, IA 52722
363-339-7111 - www.uiu.edu/quadcities
Reionally accredited
Transler u to 78 collee credits
Concentrated eihtweek lormat
Bachelor ol Science majors
Financial aid available
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River City Reader Summer Guide ad 2011 - 4.9 x 5.6.indd 1 11/9/2011 4:25:28 PM
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7,2011 30 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
the worship service; donations
encouraged; for information, contact
Reverend Rich Hendricks at 563-324-
8281 or e-mail richdhendricks@msn.
com, Clarion Hotel Davenport, 227
LeClaire St, Davenport, IA, http://www.
mccqc.com, 10:30am Sun Feb 19.
LeClaire Trivia Night, proceeds
benefit the LeClaire Little League;
6:30pm doors, 7pm trivia; bring snacks,
beer, wine, or soda, or purchase water
and snacks; door prizes; $10/person;
8 people/table; $50/table minimum;
for information and to reserve, call
563-505-6703 or e-mail chris@ccx.net,
LeClaire Civic Center, 127 S Cody Rd,
LeClaire, IA, 7pm Sat Feb 25.
43rd Annual OReilly Auto Parts Rod &
Custom Car Show, featuring the 27th Annual
Model Car Contest and the hottest street rods,
custom cars, motorcycles, street machines, race
cars, and pickups in the area competing for
trophies and cash prizes; Sat 11am, Sun 8am;
for information, call 319-465-5119, Monticello
Berndes Center, 766 N Maple St, Monticello, IA,
http://www.rodandcustomcarshow.com, Sat
Feb 25 and Sun Feb 26.
ONGOING
ComedySportz, on Fridays & Saturdays;
interactive comedy with the areas long-
running improv troupe; $10-$12; for tickets and
information, call 309-786-1111 or e-mail Info@
ComedySportzQC.com, The Establishment
Theatre, 220 19th St., Rock Island, IL, http://
www.EstablishmentTheatre.com, 7pm Fri Nov
25 thru Sat Feb 25.
Call for Comedians: The Establishment
Theatres Open Mic Night, seeking
applications for open-mic night on the last
Wed. of the month, with 12 performance slots
per show; for information, e-mail OpenMic@
EstablishmentTheatre.com or call 309-786-1111,
The Establishment Theatre, 220 19th St., Rock
Island, IL, http://www.EstablishmentTheatre.
com, Wed Nov 23 thru Wed Feb 29.
Standup Comedy Showcase, on Mondays;
also an open-mic night for singers; sign up at
iwannarock@iowacityyachtclub.org, Iowa City
Yacht Club, 13 S Linn St, Iowa City, IA, http://
www.iowacityyachtclub.org, 9pm Mon Nov 28
thru Mon Dec 26.
November & December
Establishment Theatre First-Anniversary
Show, featuring an improv battle between
ComedySportz teams, stand-up comedy
with Chris Schlicting, the Guys In Ties touring
company, a short film, and more; $10-12; for
information and tickets, call 309-786-1111,
Establishment Theatre, 220 19th Street, Rock
Island, IL, http://www.establishmentTheatre.
com, 7pm Wed Nov 23.
Comedy XPeriment, standup with Des
Moines favorite improv troupe; $10; for tickets
and information, call 515-246-2300, Civic Center
of Greater Des Moines, 221 Walnut St., Des
Moines, IA, http://www.civiccenter.org, 7:30pm
Fri Nov 25 and Sat Nov 26.
Melissa Villasenor, standup comedy and
impressions with the season-six Americas
Got Talent contender; $17.50; for tickets and
information, call 309-786-7733 extension 2;
Circa 21 Speakeasy, 1818 Third Avenue, Rock
Island, IL, http://www.circa21.com, 7:30pm Thu
Dec 1.
Comedy Xperiment Improv Workshop, all
ages and skill levels are welcome; no previous
improv experience necessary; $5, Des Moines
Social Club, 1408 Locust St., Des Moines, IA,
http://www.facebook.com/ComedyXPeriment,
6pm Thu Dec 1.
Davenport, IA, http://www.mccqc.com, 10:30am
Sun Jan 15.
Havana Daydreamin 2012, annual event
benefiting Hand in Hand; featuring music by
The Boat Drunks, the Whoozdads, John Patti,
Coral Reefer band members, and more; 6pm
doors, 8pm beach party; $20-$25, Davenport
RiverCenter, 136 E. 3rd St, Davenport, IA, 6pm
Sat Jan 21.
Havana Daydreamin2012 Pre-Party: Parrot
Head Crossroads, annual event benefiting
Hand in Hand, featuring performances by more
than 20 local musicians; $15-20, RME (River
Music Experience), 131 W. 2nd St., Davenport, IA,
1pm Sat Jan 21.
Mad Hatter Tea Party for Adults, Karin
Youngberg will show the tea party scene from
various video versions of Alice in Wonderland
and talk about what both Lewis Carroll and the
video directors were thinking in their portrayals;
tea party food provided; free; for information, call
563-344-4175, Bettendorf Public Library, 2950
Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA, http://www.
bettendorflibrary.com, 6:30pm Thu Jan 26.
Chinese New Year Celebration, sponsored
by the Quad-City Chinese Association, the
Quad City Chinese Christian Church, and the
SAU Center for International Education; free;
for information, contact Ryan Dye at 563-333-
6389 or DyeRyanD@sau.edu, Rogalski Center
- St. Ambrose University, 518 W. Locust St.,
Davenport, IA, http://www.sau.edu, 3pm Sat
Jan 28.
LeClaire Trivia Night, proceeds benefit the
LeClaire Community Library; 6:30pm doors,
7pm trivia; bring snacks, beer, wine, or soda, or
purchase water and snacks; door prizes; $10/
person; 8 people/table; $50/table minimum; for
information and to reserve, call 563-505-6703 or
e-mail chris@ccx.net, LeClaire Civic Center, 127 S
Cody Rd, LeClaire, IA, 7pm Sat Jan 28.
Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam, Fri & Sat
7pm, Sat 2pm; $10.50-$42; for tickets, call 800-
745-3000, Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson
Ave, Peoria, IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.
com, Fri Feb 3 and Sat Feb 4.
Gourmet Chocolate Tasting, taste exotic,
rich, and unusual types of chocolates in the pre-
Valentines, Davenport Public Library - Eastern
Ave. Branch, 6000 Eastern Ave., Davenport, IA,
http://www.davenportlibrary.com, 11am Sat
Feb 11.
Anti-Valentines Day Party, a hilarious
alternative to a traditional Valentines Day,
with unusual activities, music, and fun; free; for
information, call 563-326-7832, Davenport Public
Library - Eastern Ave. Branch, 6000 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport, IA, http://www.davenportlibrary.
com, 6pm Mon Feb 13.
Senior Day, for information, call 563-
344-4175, Bettendorf Public Library, 2950
Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA, http://www.
bettendorflibrary.com, 1:30pm Thu Feb 16.
Brown Bag Lunch Program, for information,
call 563-344-4175, Bettendorf Public Library,
2950 Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA, http://
www.bettendorflibrary.com, noon Fri Feb 17.
Metropolitan Community Church of the
Quad Cities Handicap-Accessible Service,
with free doughnuts and coffee beginning at
10:30am, and a pizza buffet at 12 noon following
Seek and Soak, a night of worship and
praise led by worship teams from several local
churches, sponsored by the Quad Cities Prayer
Center; for information, call 563-323-3090, The
Center in Davenport, 1411 Brady St., Davenport,
IA, http://www.qcprayercenter.org, 6pm Sun
Dec 11.
Senior Day: Vintage Voices, event with the
performers of old-time radio scripts; free; for
information, call 563-344-4175, Bettendorf Public
Library, 2950 Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA,
http://www.bettendorflibrary.com, 1:30pm Thu
Dec 15.
Brown Bag Lunch Program, for information,
call 563-344-4175, Bettendorf Public Library,
2950 Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA, http://
www.bettendorflibrary.com, 12pm Fri Dec 16.
Metropolitan Community Church of the
Quad Cities Handicap-Accessible Service,
with free doughnuts and coffee beginning at
10:30am, and a pizza buffet at 12 noon following
the worship service; donations encouraged; for
information, contact Reverend Rich Hendricks
at 563-324-8281 or e-mail richdhendricks@msn.
com, Clarion Hotel Davenport, 227 LeClaire St,
Davenport, IA, http://www.mccqc.com, 10:30am
Sun Dec 18.
Senior Day, for information, call 563-
344-4175, Bettendorf Public Library, 2950
Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA, http://www.
bettendorflibrary.com, 1:30pm Thu Dec 22.
Card/Games Luncheon, $6-$10; for
information, call 563-386-7477, CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly Road,
Davenport, IA, http://www.casiseniors.org,
12pm Tue Dec 27.
January & February
Friends of the Rock Island Library Book
Sale, for information, call 309-732-7323, Rock
Island Public Library - 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th
St., Rock Island, IL, http://www.rockislandlibrary.
org, 9am Thu Jan 5.
Wedding of a Lifetime Bridal Show 2012,
10am doors, style shows at 11am and 1pm;
$10; for tickets and information, call 309-673-
3200, Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave,
Peoria, IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com,
10am Sun Jan 8.
WeddingMax Bridal Show, shop for the
finest in weddings items and accessories; $6-8;
for information and tickets, call 309-764-2000, i
wireless Center, 1201 River Dr, Moline, IL, http://
www.iwirelesscenter.com, 11am Sun Jan 8.
St. Ambrose University Alumni Association
Trivia Night, 10 rounds of questions on various
subjects, 6-8 players per team; bring your own
snacks; drinks available for purchase; cash
prizes for top three winning teams; 6pm doors,
7pm trivia; $10/person; for information and to
register, contact Randi Rockwell at 563-333-6030
or e-mail RockwellRandiD@sau.edu, Rogalski
Center - St. Ambrose University, 518 W. Locust
St., Davenport, IA, http://www.sau.edu/alumni,
7pm Sat Jan 14.
Winter Wine Experience, for information,
call 563-326-1333, RME Community Stage,
131 W. 2nd St., Davenport, IA, http://www.
FestivalsInAmana.com, Sat Jan 14.
Anime-ZAP!, vendors, presentations, and
more for all things anime; $15-25; for tickets
and information, call 309-673-3200, Peoria Civic
Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL, http://
www.animezapcon.com/registration, 10am Sat
Jan 14 and Sun Jan 15.
Metropolitan Community Church of the
Quad Cities Handicap-Accessible Service,
with free doughnuts and coffee beginning at
10:30am, and a pizza buffet at 12 noon following
the worship service; donations encouraged; for
information, contact Reverend Rich Hendricks
at 563-324-8281 or e-mail richdhendricks@msn.
com, Clarion Hotel Davenport, 227 LeClaire St,
Shots & Giggles, a night of improv comedy;
for tickets and information, call 309-786-7733,
extension 2, The Circa 21 Speakeasy, 1818 3rd
Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://www.circa21.com,
Sat Dec 3.
Guys in Ties, improv-comedy fundraising
performance with well-dressed performers
from ComedySportz; $10; for tickets and
information, call 309-762-0330, Playcrafters Barn
Theatre, 4950 35th Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.
playcrafters.com, 3pm Sun Dec 4.
A Passion for Murder, an interactive comedy-
mystery and dinner with the Its a Mystery troupe;
$35; for information and reservations, call 563-
359-1607, The Lodge Hotel, 900 Spruce Hills Dr.,
Bettendorf, IA, http://www.itsamysteryqc.com,
6:30pm Fri Dec 9.
The Blacklist: 100 Laughs, local standup
comedians perform at 9pm, and the improv
troupe takes the stage at 10pm; $10; for tickets
and information, call 309-786-7733, extension
2, The Circa 21 Speakeasy, 1818 3rd Ave., Rock
Island, IL, http://www.circa21.com, 9pm Sat Dec
10.
Skellingtons Last Resort, an interactive
comedy-mystery and dinner with the Its a
Mystery troupe; $35; for information and
reservations, call 563-344-9187, Skellington
Manor Banquet & Event Center, 420 18th St,
Rock Island, IL, http://www.itsamysteryqc.com,
6:30pm Fri Dec 16.
Comedy Relief, family-friendly improv with
the Centers own team; free; for information,
call 563-468-1423, ALive! Childrens Theater at
The Center, 1411 Brady St., Davenport, IA, http://
www.aliveqca.com, 7pm Sat Dec 17.
Comic Open Mic, for inspiring comedians,
professionals who want to work on new
material, and those who enjoys telling jokes
to co-workers; $3; for information and tickets,
call 309-786-7733, extension 2, The Circa 21
Speakeasy, 1818 3rd Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://
www.circa21.com, 8pm Sat Dec 17.
Open Mic Night, featuring an emcee and
12 local comedians; 7pm doors, 8pm show; $3
admission; full bar & menu; for information, e-
mail OpenMic@establishmenttheatre.com or
call 309-786-1111, The Establishment Theatre,
220 19th St., Rock Island, IL, http://www.
EstablishmentTheatre.com, 8pm Wed Dec 28.
January & February
Shots & Giggles, a night of improv comedy;
for tickets and information, call 309-786-7733,
extension 2, The Circa 21 Speakeasy, 1818 3rd
Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://www.circa21.com,
Sat Jan 7.
Skellingtons Last Resort, an interactive
comedy-mystery and dinner with the Its a
Mystery troupe; $35; for information and
reservations, call 563-344-9187, Skellington
Manor Banquet & Event Center, 420 18th St,
Rock Island, IL, http://www.itsamysteryqc.com,
6:30pm Fri Jan 13.
The Blacklist: 100 Laughs, local standup
comedians perform at 9pm, and the improv
troupe takes the stage at 10pm; $10; for tickets
and information, call 309-786-7733, extension 2,
The Circa 21 Speakeasy, 1818 3rd Ave., Rock Island,
IL, http://www.circa21.com, 9pm Sat Jan 14.
Comic Open Mic, for inspiring comedians,
professionals who want to work on new
material, and those who enjoys telling jokes
to co-workers; $3; for information and tickets,
call 309-786-7733, extension 2, The Circa 21
Speakeasy, 1818 3rd Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://
www.circa21.com, 8pm Fri Jan 20.
Open Mic Night, featuring an emcee and
12 local comedians; 7pm doors, 8pm show; $3
admission; full bar & menu; for information, e-
mail OpenMic@establishmenttheatre.com or
call 309-786-1111, The Establishment Theatre,
220 19th St., Rock Island, IL, http://www.
EstablishmentTheatre.com, 8pm Wed Jan 25.
John Oliver, standup with the Emmy-winning
comedian and Senior British Correspondent on
Christmas with the Quad City Singers @ Lavender
Crest Winery, December 9 & 10
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7, 2011 31 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart; a Hancher
Auditorium presentation; $22-$40; for tickets and
information, call 319-335-1160, Iowa Memorial
Union Main Lounge - University of Iowa, 125 N.
Madison St., Iowa City, IA, http://www.hancher.
uiowa.edu, 7:30pm Sat Jan 28.
Pimprov, Chicagos famed improv show,
concerning four pimps who took comedy classes
at Second City on accident; 7 & 9:30pm; $12-15;
for tickets and information, call 309-786-7733,
extension 2, The Circa 21 Speakeasy, 1818 3rd
Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://www.circa21.com,
Sat Jan 28.
The Second City: Laugh Out Loud Tour,
sketch comedy and improvisation with the
famed touring comedians; $22-27; for tickets
and information, call 319-688-2653, Englert
Theatre, 221 East Washington St., Iowa City, IA,
http://www.englert.org, 8pm Fri Feb 3 and Sat
Feb 4.
Shots & Giggles, a night of improv comedy;
for tickets and information, call 309-786-7733,
extension 2, The Circa 21 Speakeasy, 1818 3rd
Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://www.circa21.com,
Sat Feb 4.
The Capitol Steps: Election Year, musical
political satire in the famed touring presentation;
$25-30; for tickets and information, call 319-688-
2653, Englert Theatre, 221 East Washington St.,
Iowa City, IA, http://www.englert.org, 8pm Fri
Feb 17.
Skellingtons Last Resort, an interactive
comedy-mystery and dinner with the Its a
Mystery troupe; $35; for information and
reservations, call 563-344-9187, Skellington
Manor Banquet & Event Center, 420 18th St,
Rock Island, IL, http://www.itsamysteryqc.com,
6:30pm Fri Feb 17.
Comic Open Mic, for inspiring comedians,
professionals who want to work on new
material, and those who enjoys telling jokes
to co-workers; $3; for information and tickets,
call 309-786-7733, extension 2, The Circa 21
Speakeasy, 1818 3rd Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://
www.circa21.com, 8pm Fri Feb 17.
Professor Smarts Fun with Physics,
wacky science experiments with Quad City Arts
Visiting Artist Todd Victor, designed for grades
K-8; location TBD; for information, call 309-793-
1213, Quad City Arts Center, 1715 2nd Ave, Rock
Island, IL, http://www.quadcityarts.com, 4pm
Sat Feb 18.
Open Mic Night, featuring an emcee and
12 local comedians; 7pm doors, 8pm show; $3
admission; full bar & menu; for information, e-
mail OpenMic@establishmenttheatre.com or
call 309-786-1111, The Establishment Theatre,
220 19th St., Rock Island, IL, http://www.
EstablishmentTheatre.com, 8pm Wed Feb 29.
N0W PLAYlN0
Puss in Boots: An IMAX 3D Experience,
adventure with the furry Shrek character, in
IMAX 3D; $8-20; for information and a show
schedule, call 563-324-1054, Museum & IMAX
Theatre, 1717 W 12th St, Davenport, IA, http://
www.putnam.org, thru Sat Dec 31.
The Polar Express 3D, Robert Zemeckis 2004
holiday hit in IMAX 3D; $8-12.50; for tickets and
showtimes, call 563-324-1054, Putnam Museum
& IMAX Theatre, 1717 W 12th St, Davenport, IA,
http://www.putnam.org, thru Fri Jan 6.
Straight Up! - Helicopters in Action, aerial
documentary on the IMAX screen; $8-12.50;
for tickets and showtimes, call 563-324-1054,
Putnam Museum & IMAX Theatre, 1717 W 12th
St, Davenport, IA, http://www.putnam.org, thru
Fri Jan 6.
Sharks 3D, IMAX nature documentary
presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau; $6.50-
$8.50; for information and a show schedule, call
563-324-1933, Putnam Museum & IMAX Theatre,
1717 W 12th St, Davenport, IA, http://www.
putnam.org, thru Sun Jan 8.
Events
Hancher Auditorium Presentations
November through February
I
n the Grateful Deads classic song Sugar
Magnolia, theres a verse that begins: Shes
got everything delightful, shes got everything
I need. And this winter, that sentiment
will most definitely be true ... at least if the
she youre referring to is the University of
Iowas Hancher
Auditorium,
and everything
you need is the
exceptional
variety of music,
comedy, and
drama found
in the venues
wintertime
Visiting Artists series. To be sure, Dead-heads
will be in for a major treat when the Riverside
Casino & Golf Resort hosts a December 9
evening with the American Beauty Project,
the Grateful Dead tribute band that will
re-imagine tracks from American Beauty and
Workingmans Dead alongside the lauded folk
group Ollabelle and jazz singer Catherine
Russell. On December 8, Russell will also
perform a Hancher-sponsored solo concert
at the Iowa City venue The Mill, while
February 10 brings with it an Englert Theatre
engagement featuring the Grammy-winning
stylings of pianist Chucho Valds and his
Afro-Cuban Messengers. Delivering what the
New York Times calls a genre-defying rock-
pop-funk-punk cabaret, Tony Award-winner
Stew, of Broadways revolutionary musical
Passing Strange, will bring his signature blend
of biting social satire and infectious rhythms
to the Englert in February 2s Stew & the
Negro Problem. Hanchers holiday season,
meanwhile, will begin less with a bang than a
pop or rather, the Pops, as the Boston Pops
Esplanade Orchestra joins voices with the a
cappella wizards of Rockapella for November
27s 2011 Holiday Pops Tour at the U of
Is Carver-Hawkeye Arena. As for laughs,
Hancher will deliver them probably a lot
of them in January 28s Iowa Memorial
Union evening with John Oliver, the Emmy-
winning comedian adored for his appearances
on TVs Community and as senior British
correspondent for The Daily Show with Jon
Stewart. And wrapping up Hanchers winter
season, the acclaimed ensemble L.A. Theatre
Works will, on February 23, stage an Englert
Theatre production of Norman Corwins The
Rivalry, which employs historical transcripts
to re-create the legendary 1858 Illinois Senate
campaign debates between Stephen Douglas
and Abraham Lincoln. Ah, 1858 ... long before
our political debates boasted the passion,
oratorical skill, and ideological nuance that
they do now. (That ones for you, Todd.) For
more information and tickets to all shows in
the Hancher Auditorium winter season, call
(319)335-1160 or visit http://www.Hancher.
UIowa.edu. Mike Schulz
Rockapella
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7,2011 32 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
Troublesome Creek: A Midwestern, on
Saturdays and Sundays1995 documentary by
filmmakers, Herbert Hoover National Historic
Site, off I-80 at exit 254, West Branch, IA, http://
www.nps.gov/heho, 1pm thru Sun Feb 26.
November & December
The Muppet Movie, screening of the
Muppets 1979 feature-film debut; free; for
information, call 319-688-2653, Englert Theatre,
221 East Washington St., Iowa City, IA, http://
www.englert.org, 1pm Sat Nov 26.
Father Goose, a screening of the film
classic in memory of Cary Grant, who died
in Davenport on this date 25 years ago;
refreshments served; free; for information, call
563-344-4179, Bettendorf Public Library, 2950
Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA, http://www.
bettendorflibrary.com, 6:30pm Tue Nov 29.
Manito, a screening in the Independent
Movie Night series; story of two brothers set
against the volatile backdrop of a changing
inner city; free movie, popcorn, and discussion;
for information, call 309-732-7323, Rock Island
Public Library - Main Library, 401 19th, Rock
Island, IL, http://www.rockislandlibrary.org, 6pm
Thu Dec 1.
Rodelinda, a presentation in the 2011-12
Metropolitan Opera Live series; $16-24; for
information, call 563-441-0242, Rave Motion
Pictures Davenport 53, 3601 E. 53rd St.,
Davenport, IA, 11:30am Sat Dec 3.
Night at the Museum, screening of the
comedy hit in the Movies@MNH series; free;
for information, call 319-335-0606, MacBride
Auditorium, MacBride Hall, UI Campus, Iowa
City, IA, http://www.uiowa.edu/mnh, 2pm Sun
Dec 4.
3rd Annual CHM Holiday Movie and Gift
Swap, event featuring the short film The Story
of Broke, a visit with the sisters, a gift swap and
window shop, and more; free; for information,
call 563-336-8404, Humility of Mary Center, 820
W. Central Park Avenue, Davenport, IA, http://
www.chmiowa.org, 6pm Tue Dec 6.
Oscar in the Afternoon, a screening of
a G-, PG-, or PG-13-rated Academy Award
winner; free; for information, call 563-326-7832,
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Ave. Branch,
6000 Eastern Ave., Davenport, IA, http://www.
davenportlibrary.com, 2pm Wed Dec 7.
The Polar Express, a screening in Junior
Theatres monthly family-film series; $2.50
in advance & $4 at the door includes two
slices of pizza and lemonade; popcorn
available for $1/bag; for information, call 563-
888-2227, Davenport Junior Theatre, 2822
Eastern Ave., Davenport, IA, http://www.
DavenportJuniorTheatre.org, 6:15pm Fri Dec 9.
Faust, a presentation in the 2011-12
Metropolitan Opera Live series; $16-24; for
information, call 563-441-0242, Rave Motion
Pictures Davenport 53, 3601 E. 53rd St.,
Davenport, IA, 11:55am Sat Dec 10.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, the
classic 1971 family film based on the Roald Dahl
book; $3 at the door; for information, call 319-
688-2653, Englert Theatre, 221 East Washington
St., Iowa City, IA, http://www.englert.org,
11:59pm Sat Dec 10.
Hunting Down Memory (Jakten p
hukommelsen), 2009 Thomas Lien documentary
about a Norwegian who lost his memory while
on a train in China; free; for information, e-mail
info@rozztox.com, Rozz-Tox, 2108 3rd Ave., Rock
Island, IL, http://www.rozztox.com, 6pm Sun
Dec 11.
CASI Movie Matinee, $2-$4; for information,
call 563-386-7477, CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA,
http://www.casiseniors.org, 1pm Tue Dec 13.
Off Beat Independent Film Screening, watch
an award-winning film with other movie lovers;
563-344-4106, Family Museum, 2900 Learning
Campus Dr, Bettendorf, IA, http://www.
familymuseum.org, 1pm Sun Dec 4.
ONGOING
Drop-In Baseball, on Wednesdays; $6; for
information, call 563-322-5220, Rivers Edge,
700 W. River Dr., Davenport, IA, http://www.
cityofdavenportiowa.com, 6am Wed Nov 23
thru Wed Dec 28.
Public Ice Skating, Wednesdays & Fridays
11am, Saturdays 4:45pm; $5 admission, $2 skate
rental; for information, call 563-322-5220, Rivers
Edge, 700 W. River Dr., Davenport, IA, http://
www.cityofdavenportiowa.com, 11am Wed Nov
23 thru Sat Dec 31.
Drop-In Public Hockey, on Tuesdays &
Thursdays; $10; for information, call 563-322-
5220, Rivers Edge, 700 W. River Dr., Davenport,
IA, http://www.cityofdavenportiowa.com, 11am
Thu Nov 24 thru Thu Dec 29.
Drop-In Public Soccer, on Tuesdays &
Thursdays thru Saturdays; $10; for information,
call 563-322-5220, Rivers Edge, 700 W. River Dr.,
Davenport, IA, http://www.cityofdavenportiowa.
com, 6am Thu Nov 24 thru Fri Dec 30.
November & December
Quad City Mallards, vs. Fort Wayne; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Fri Nov 25.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Missouri; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Sat Nov 26.
Augustana College vs Marquette
University, ice-hockey match, Rivers Edge,
700 W. River Dr., Davenport, IA, http://www.
augustana.edu/x34895.xml, 7:45pm Fri Dec 2.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Milwaukee
Admirals; $12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-
3000, Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave,
Peoria, IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com,
7pm Sat Dec 3.
Augustana College vs Marquette
University, ice-hockey match, Rivers Edge,
700 W. River Dr., Davenport, IA, http://www.
augustana.edu/x34895.xml, 4:30pm Sat Dec 3.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Rockford Icehogs;
$12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria,
IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com, 5pm Sun
Dec 4.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Rapid City; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Tue Dec 6.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Missouri; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Fri Dec 9.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Missouri; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Sat Dec 17.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Toronto Marlies;
$12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria,
IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com, 7pm Sat
Dec 17.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Bloomington; $9-
20; for tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless
Center, 1201 River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.
iwirelesscenter.com, 7:05pm Tue Dec 20.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Wichita; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Fri Dec 23.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Chicago Wolves;
$12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria,
discussion afterward; title to be announced;
free movie and popcorn; for information, call
563-326-7832, Fairmount Street Library, 3000
N. Fairmount St., Davenport, IA, http://www.
davenportlibrary.com, 6pm Thu Dec 15.
I Am Number Four, free movie and popcorn
for ages 12-18; an event in the Teen Screen
series; for information, call 309-732-7323, Rock
Island Public Library - Main Library, 401 19th,
Rock Island, IL, http://www.rockislandlibrary.
org, 4:30pm Tue Dec 27.
January & February
Oscar in the Afternoon, a screening of
a G-, PG-, or PG-13-rated Academy Award
winner; free; for information, call 563-326-7832,
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Ave. Branch,
6000 Eastern Ave., Davenport, IA, http://www.
davenportlibrary.com, 2pm Wed Jan 4.
Light of My Eyes, a screening in the
Independent Movie Night series; free movie,
popcorn, and discussion; for information, call
309-732-7323, Rock Island Public Library - Main
Library, 401 19th, Rock Island, IL, http://www.
rockislandlibrary.org, 6pm Thu Jan 5.
Free Willy, a screening in Junior Theatres
monthly family-film series; $2.50 in advance
& $4 at the door includes two slices of pizza
and lemonade; popcorn available for $1/bag;
for information, call 563-888-2227, Davenport
Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport,
IA, http://www.DavenportJuniorTheatre.org/
mainstage/specialevents.html, 6:15pm Fri Jan
13.
Mulan, a screening of the animated Disney
hit in the Friday Movie Fest series; free; for
information, call 309-732-7323, Rock Island
Public Library - Main Library, 401 19th, Rock
Island, IL, http://www.rockislandlibrary.org, 1pm
Fri Jan 13.
The Enchanted Island, a presentation in the
2011-12 Metropolitan Opera Live series; $16-
24; for information, call 563-441-0242, Rave
Motion Pictures Davenport 53, 3601 E. 53rd St.,
Davenport, IA, 11:55am Sat Jan 21.
The White Rose, screening sponsored by
the German American Heritage Center; $5;
for information, call 563-322-8844, Figge Art
Museum, 225 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA, http://
www.gahc.org, 4pm Sun Jan 22.
Oscar in the Afternoon, a screening of
a G-, PG-, or PG-13-rated Academy Award
winner; free; for information, call 563-326-7832,
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Ave. Branch,
6000 Eastern Ave., Davenport, IA, http://www.
davenportlibrary.com, 2pm Wed Feb 1.
Wolves in the Snow, a screening in the
Independent Movie Night Series; free movie,
popcorn, and discussion; for information, call
309-732-7323, Rock Island Public Library - Main
Library, 401 19th, Rock Island, IL, http://www.
rockislandlibrary.org, 6pm Thu Feb 2.
The Last Days of Sophie Scholl, screening
sponsored by the German American Heritage
Center; $5; for information, call 563-322-8844,
Figge Art Museum, 225 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA,
http://www.gahc.org, 4pm Sun Feb 5.
Majestic Montana, a screening in the World
Adventure Series, presented by Steve Gonser;
showtimes at 1, 4, & 7pm; $4-$6; for information
and tickets, call 563-324-1933, Putnam Museum
& IMAX Theatre, 1717 W 12th St, Davenport, IA,
http://www.putnam.org, Tue Feb 7.
Madagascar, a screening in Junior Theatres
monthly family-film series; $2.50 in advance
& $4 at the door includes two slices of pizza
and lemonade; popcorn available for $1/bag;
for information, call 563-888-2227, Davenport
Junior Theatre, 2822 Eastern Ave., Davenport,
IA, http://www.DavenportJuniorTheatre.org,
6:15pm Fri Feb 10.
Gotterdammerung, a presentation in the
2011-12 Metropolitan Opera Live series; $16-
24; for information, call 563-441-0242, Rave
Motion Pictures Davenport 53, 3601 E. 53rd St.,
Davenport, IA, 11am Sat Feb 11.
Kung Fu Panda, a screening of the animated
hit in the Friday Movie Fest series; free; for
information, call 309-732-7323, Rock Island
Public Library - Main Library, 401 19th, Rock
Island, IL, http://www.rockislandlibrary.org, 1pm
Fri Feb 17.
Ernani, a presentation in the 2011-12
Metropolitan Opera Live series; $16-24; for
information, call 563-441-0242, Rave Motion
Pictures Davenport 53, 3601 E. 53rd St.,
Davenport, IA, 11:55am Sat Feb 25.
QCAD Film Festival, screenings sponsored by
Quad Citians Affirming Diversity; for information,
call 309-786-2580, The Establishment Theatre,
220 19th St., Rock Island, IL, http://www.
qcaffirmingdiversity.org, 1pm Sun Feb 26.
Life and Death on the Prairie, photography
exhibit by Stephen Longmire, which focuses on Cedar
Countys Rochester Cemetery, and features 38 photos
taken from Longmires Life and Death on the Prairie
book, University of Iowa Old Capitol Museum, 21 Old
Capitol Museum, Iowa City, IA, http://www.uiowa.edu/
oldcap, Wed Nov 23 thru Sat Dec 10.
AGCO: The Evolution of a Company,
exhibit featuring detailed miniatures of
the historical brands that, National Farm
Toy Museum, Dyersville, IA, http://www.
nationalfarmtoymuseum.com, Wed Nov 23
thru Sat Dec 31.
Mi Casa Nueva: QC Mexican Heritage
Exhibit, exhibit examines the history of the
first Mexican immigrants shortly after 1900 and
continue through those who are coming to the
Quad Cities today; featured in the exhibit will be
images and artifacts relating to the first barrios,
people, events, music, dancing, schools, and
businesses; for information, call 563-324-1933,
Putnam Museum & IMAX Theatre, 1717 W 12th
St, Davenport, IA, http://www.putnam.org, Wed
Nov 23 thru Sat Dec 31.
The German Immigrant Experience, 4,000
square feet of state-of-the-art interactive
exhibits including a new trivia video game, wired
antique party line phones, period clothing that
can be tried on, and the audio-visual experience
Step into my Shoes; free with $3-$5 museum
admission, for information, call 563-322-8844,
German American Heritage Center, 712 W. 2nd
St., Davenport, IA, http://www.gahc.org, Wed
Nov 23 thru Wed Feb 29.
The Spark! Learning Lab, lab utilizing
technology as the focus of the space to engage
visitors and encourage career exploration
in the area of Allied Healthcare; contains
SMARTboards, touchscreen computers, QR
codes, and discovery microscopes as well as
authentic medical equipment; touch, try and
experience materials and equipment, and
discover many opportunities available in allied
healthcare fields; free with museum admission;
for information, call 563-324-1933, Putnam
Museum & IMAX Theatre, 1717 W 12th St,
Davenport, IA, http://www.putnam.org, Wed
Nov 23 thru Wed Feb 29.
WinterFest Exhibition, exhibit features
the animated holiday-figure figurines from
the former downtown Davenport Von Maur
Department Store first displayed in the late
1960s; also with a model train occupying the
front windows of the museum; Mon.-Sat. 9am-
5pm, Thu. 9am-8pm, Sun. noon-5pm; free with
$4-7 museum admission; for information, call
563-344-4106, Family Museum, 2900 Learning
Campus Dr, Bettendorf, IA, http://www.
familymuseum.org, Thu Nov 24 thru Sun Jan
1.
Winterfest Celebration, featuring music
from the Pleasant Valley High School Tuba and
Euphonium Ensemble, dancing by the Family
Museum LimeLight Dancers, refreshments,
activities, and a visit from Santa later in the
afternoon; admission free with the donation of
a non-perishable food item; for information, call
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7, 2011 33 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com, 7pm Mon
Dec 26.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Rapid City; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Tue Dec 27.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Dayton; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Fri Dec 30.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Rockford IceHogs;
$12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria,
IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com, 6pm Sat
Dec 31.
January
Quad City Mallards, vs. Wichita; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Fri Jan 6.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Chicago Wolves;
$12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria,
IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com, 7pm Fri
Jan 6.
Augustana College vs Northwestern
University, ice-hockey match, Rivers Edge,
700 W. River Dr., Davenport, IA, http://www.
augustana.edu/x34895.xml, 7:45pm Fri Jan 6.
The Harlem Globetrotters, basketball and
comedy with the world-famous team; $37-94; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7pm Sat Jan 7.
Augustana College vs Northwestern
University, ice-hockey match, Rivers Edge,
700 W. River Dr., Davenport, IA, http://www.
augustana.edu/x34895.xml, 4:30pm Sat Jan 7.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Missouri; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 4:05pm Sun Jan 8.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Milwaukee
Admirals; $12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-
3000, Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave,
Peoria, IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com,
5pm Sun Jan 8.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Lake Erie Monsters;
$12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria,
IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com, 7pm Thu
Jan 12.
Augustana College vs Robert Morris
University - Springfield, ice-hockey match,
Rivers Edge, 700 W. River Dr., Davenport, IA,
http://www.augustana.edu/x34895.xml, 7:45pm
Fri Jan 13.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Houston Aeros;
$12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria,
IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com, 7pm Fri
Jan 13.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Dayton; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Fri Jan 13.
Augustana College vs Robert Morris
University - Springfield, ice-hockey match,
Rivers Edge, 700 W. River Dr., Davenport, IA,
http://www.augustana.edu/x34895.xml, 4:30pm
Sat Jan 14.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Dayton; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Sat Jan 14.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Houston Aeros;
$12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria,
IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com, 7pm Sat
Jan 14.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Evansville; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Tue Jan 17.
7
he titles of the first two Masterworks
concerts in the Quad City Symphony
Orchestras season indicate a distinct shift
from the pure music of Beethoven 5 (named for
the showcase piece) to the literary-themed Poems
on Fate.
Concert planners were obviously aiming
to demonstrate the symbiotic relationship
between language and music in the November
concerts. But somewhere between the idea
for Poems on Fate and the selection of its
music, the conceptual glue lost its cohesion.
The audiences perfunctory response at the
Adler Theatre on
November 5 was in
stark relief to the
profuse applause and
standing ovation that
greeted Beethoven
5s first performance,
and it was clear that
something had gone
wrong.
All four pieces
in the Poems on
Fate program
clearly fit the
theme. Johannes
Brahms Song of Destiny used text from a poem,
Giuseppe Verdis opera La Forza del Destino a
libretto, and Richard Strauss Death &
Transfiguration and Franz Liszts Les
Preludes inspired poems that were included as
prefaces in their published scores.
The challenge for program planners was to
maintain the integrity of the musical experience
while coherently demonstrating its connection
to literature. (It would have helped if the prefaces
had been included in the printed program,
to provide a fuller literary context for the
audience but also to demonstrate the florid style
characteristic of the period when the music was
composed.) And while the literary connections
worked, the music, as a program, didnt.
The biggest problem with the music was
ironically the very reason it was chosen because
of its literary connection to the theme rather
than its intrinsic musical elements or unique
contribution to a specific place in the performing
sequence. Program order didnt seem to matter
because, at the end of the Verdi overture, Music
Director and Conductor Mark Russell Smith
announced that the Brahms choral work had
been shifted from the first half of the concert to
the second for logistical reasons. If the pieces
were interchangeable, their positions in the
program appeared arbitrary.
But there were other reasons the program
was problematic. Concerts are musical events
first and foremost. They should have their
own musical dramatic flow or gestalt moving
toward a conclusion. But all four pieces here
were written between 1856 and 1889 within
the same musical style period and they share
compositional characteristics, homophonic
texture, and orchestration on basically the
same instruments. Its like eating strip steak for
an appetizer, prime rib for an entre, and filet
mignon for dessert ample quality cuts of beef,
but a tiresome and unbalanced meal. And three
of the four musical poems were in the same key
(C), resulting in fatigue instead of active listening.
Despite these issues with the theme and
selection of repertoire, the orchestra performed
with lyricism and
excitement. Under
the baton of
Smith, the highlight
of the concert was
a vivid musical
portrayal of an
idealistic artists
death experience in
Strauss symphonic
tone poem. It was
remarkable because
of the gravitas of the
subject matter, the
parallel dramatic
flow of both the story and music, and Strauss
extraordinary orchestration. Huge extremes in
dynamics and instrumental sound colors gave
a picturesque view of the death-bed scene in
the music the soft heartbeat in the timpani,
the wrenching life struggle in the attack of
the trombones, the moment of death in the low
gong, and the upper strings chromatic ascending
scales in the transfiguration. The string section,
relocated from the October concert, was forceful
in the life struggle section and then tender in
the flashbacks of childhood portion.
Throughout, the orchestras response to
Smiths clear stick and enthusiasm produced a
performance of passion and power, a musical
version of an IMAX experience.
It wasnt without a few blemishes. Extremely
difficult to play, the piece tests the limits of
instrument potential and player skill. Strauss
music is texturally dense to begin with, and when
the tempo was pushed, the strings musical lines
became incomprehensible.
In the life struggle section, the severe attack
from the tuba was electrifying at the beginning
but too edgy to blend with the brass entrances
that came later. The horns struggled for control of
soft passages near the beginning and again later at
the start of the transfiguration.
Soft dynamics proved to be a challenge for
the woodwind section as well. Augmented with
bass clarinet and contrabassoon, the sections
precarious soft playing threatened their pitch
stability making intonation, which is normally
MUSIC
Literary Theme Causes Musical Problems
The Quad City Symphony Orchestra, November 5 at the Adler Theatre
by Frederick Morden
f.morden@mchsi.com
not a big problem, a distraction and exacerbating
balance problems.
The program opened with Verdis overture
to La Forza del Destino, a brief pastiche of motifs
and melodies from the opera. The principal
woodwinds specifically the flute, oboe, and
clarinet demonstrated how the fusing of timbre
with precise intonation can create a new
instrumental sound in the slow, plaintive Aria.
But balance problems appeared in the uneven
volume between the brass instruments. And
tempo changes were again a nemesis for the
strings when they occurred with spicatto passages.
The 100-plus voices of the Quad City Choral
Arts ensemble, prepared by founder and director
Jon Hurdy, joined the orchestra for a performance
of Brahms Song of Destiny. The chorus sang from
the traditional location behind the orchestra,
which proved to be a disadvantage. To their
credit, Smith and the instrumentalists made an
effort to let the voices project over the orchestra,
revealing a balanced, mature vocal sound from
the mixed choir.
The upper strings nailed the arpeggios in
the chorale part at the beginning and end of
Liszts Les Preludes and provided sumptuousness
to the smooth, arching melodic phrases
throughout the section. The famous horn
quartet was even and effortless, a contrast to
the hazardous staccato solos that dotted the
performance.
The strings did a heroic job trying to hold
things together, but near the end, the pell-mell
tempo went over the edge, making the compound
rhythmic structures ragged.
It should be noted that the orchestra was
moved downstage to allow room for the chorus.
This brought the orchestra out from behind the
proscenium arch and into the same space as
the audience, creating a huge improvement in
the overall sound of the ensemble. In this new
location, the power of the Quad City Symphony
and its music shimmered with sparkling
overtones and musical colors of limitless hues,
most notably in Strauss from the hushed
breathing of the dying artist to the sublime
climatic moment of the transfiguration. Any
problems the orchestra had can be overcome
because of its depth of skill and the variety of
programming in the series.
The Quad City Symphonys next Masterworks
concert, Concerti for Celli, will feature Anthony
Ross and Beth Rapier Ross and be performed
December 3 and 4. For more information, visit
QCSymphony.com.
Frederick Morden is a retired orchestra-music
director, conductor, composer, arranger, educator,
and writer who has served on the executive board
of the Conductors Guild.
Its like eating strip steak
for an appetizer, prime
rib for an entre, and
filet mignon for dessert
ample quality cuts of
beef, but a tiresome and
unbalanced meal.
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7,2011 34 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
The Harlem Globetrotters, basketball and
comedy with the world-famous team; $19-
79; for tickets, call 800-745-3000, Peoria Civic
Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL, http://
www.peoriaciviccenter.com, 7pm Wed Jan 18.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Fort Wayne; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 4:05pm Sun Jan 22.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Milwaukee
Admirals; $12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-
3000, Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave,
Peoria, IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com,
10am Tue Jan 24.
Augustana College vs Wheaton College,
ice-hockey match, Rivers Edge, 700 W. River
Dr., Davenport, IA, http://www.augustana.edu/
x34895.xml, 7:45pm Fri Jan 27.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Grand Rapids
Griffins; $12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-
3000, Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave,
Peoria, IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com,
7pm Fri Jan 27.
Augustana College vs Wheaton College,
ice-hockey match, Rivers Edge, 700 W. River
Dr., Davenport, IA, http://www.augustana.edu/
x34895.xml, 4:30pm Sat Jan 28.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Grand Rapids
Griffins; $12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-
3000, Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave,
Peoria, IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com,
7pm Sat Jan 28.
February
Quad City Mallards, vs. Fort Wayne; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Fri Feb 3.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Bloomington; $9-
20; for tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless
Center, 1201 River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.
iwirelesscenter.com, 7:05pm Sat Feb 4.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Dayton; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Tue Feb 7.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Lake Erie Monsters;
$12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave,
Peoria, IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com,
7pm Fri Feb 10.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Charlotte Checkers;
$12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave,
Peoria, IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com,
7pm Sat Feb 11.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Arizona; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Sat Feb 11.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Arizona; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 4:05pm Sun Feb 12.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Rapid City; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Tue Feb 14.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Charlotte Checkers;
$12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave,
Peoria, IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com,
7pm Fri Feb 17.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Arizona; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 7:05pm Sat Feb 18.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Abbotsford Heat;
$12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave,
Peoria, IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com,
7pm Tue Feb 21.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the San Antonio
Rampage; $12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-
3000, Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave,
Peoria, IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com,
7pm Fri Feb 24.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the San Antonio
Rampage; $12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-
3000, Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave,
Peoria, IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com,
7:30pm Sat Feb 25.
Peoria Rivermen, vs. the Abbotsford Heat;
$12.50-27.50; for tickets, call 800-745-3000,
Peoria Civic Center, 201 SW Jefferson Ave,
Peoria, IL, http://www.peoriaciviccenter.com,
5pm Sun Feb 26.
Quad City Mallards, vs. Fort Wayne; $9-20; for
tickets, call 800-745-3000, i wireless Center, 1201
River Dr, Moline, IL, http://www.iwirelesscenter.
com, 10:05am Tue Feb 28.
November
Lunch Bunch: Oh My Leftovers, learn a new
recipe, enjoy a balanced meal, and take home a
booklet of recipes; $15; for information, call 309-
732-7275, Hauberg Civic Center Mansion, 1300
24th St., Rock Island, IL, http://www.rigov.org,
12pm Wed Nov 23.
Computer Tutor at Eastern, on the 2nd Wed.
of the month; bring your computer questions to
and a staff person will provide one-on-one help;
learn about Internet searching, e-mailing, library
databases, the library catalog, and Microsoft
Word; free; for information, call 563-326-7832,
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Ave. Branch,
6000 Eastern Ave., Davenport, IA, http://www.
davenportlibrary.com, 7pm Wed Nov 23.
Bird House Workshop, reserve by Nov. 28
for Dec. 4 course; materials and information
provided; Wren- $5, Bluebird- $7, Kestrel-
$16; pre-registration and payment required;
for information, call 563-652-3783, Hurstville
Interpretive Center, 18670 63th St., Maquoketa,
IA, http://www.jacksonccb.com, 1pm Mon Nov
28.
Using the Rock Island Libraries New
Catalogs, free; for information, call 309-732-
7323, Rock Island Public Library - Southwest
Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Rd., Rock Island, IL,
http://www.rockislandlibrary.org, 6pm Mon
Nov 28.
Fumigation CIC, $35 if registered by
11/22/11, $45 afterward; for information, call
563-359-7577, Scott County Extension, 875
Tanglefoot Lane, Suite B, Bettendorf, IA, http://
dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar, 9am Tue
Nov 29.
Get Cooking with Rachel: Pies & Tarts,
enjoy the fruits of your labor in class, and take
home recipes; $24; for information, call 309-732-
7275, Hauberg Civic Center Mansion, 1300 24th
St., Rock Island, IL, http://www.rigov.org, 6pm
Tue Nov 29.
Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop, create a
wreath using live and dried plant materials and
evergreen boughs from the greenhouse; bring
gloves and pruning shears; $20; for information,
call 309-732-7275, Longview Park Greenhouse,
17th St & 18th Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://www.
rigov.org, 6pm Tue Nov 29.
Project Leadership and Ethics, thru Dec.
1; discuss the difference between leading and
managing in the project environment; the
concept of transformational leadership will
be introduced and employed through class
exercises as a project-ready method for leading
in the project environment; $995; for information
and to register, contact Jennifer Prinz at 563-
441-9950 or pd@sau.edu, St. Ambrose University
College for Professional Studies, 1950 E 54th St,
Davenport, IA, http://www.sau.edu/pdc, 8:30am
Tue Nov 29.
Using the Rock Island Libraries New
Catalogs, free; for information, call 309-
732-7323, Rock Island Public Library - Main
Library, 401 19th, Rock Island, IL, http://www.
rockislandlibrary.org, 2:30pm Wed Nov 30.
Lobby Lessons at the Library, learn about
the E-book services the Moline Public Library
offers for card holders; free; for information, call
309-524-2480, Moline Public Library, 3210 41st
St, Moline, IL, http://www.molinelibrary.com,
12pm Wed Nov 30.
December
Holiday Garland-Making Workshop, create
a garland using live and dried plant materials
and evergreen boughs from the greenhouse;
bring gloves and pruning shears; $20; for
information, call 309-732-7275, Longview Park
Greenhouse, 17th St & 18th Ave., Rock Island, IL,
http://www.rigov.org, 6pm Thu Dec 1.
St. Ambrose ACCEL Degree Completion
Program, for adult learners desiring to
complete their bachelor degree in a flexible
evening and weekend format; the session will
offer participants an overview of the programs
unique, discussion-driven learning environment,
and the opportunity to ask questions of program
staff; free; for information, call 563-441-9500 or
e-mail accel@sau.edu, St. Ambrose University
College for Professional Studies, 1950 E 54th
St, Davenport, IA, http://www.sau.edu/accel,
5:30pm Thu Dec 1.
Lobby Lessons at the Library, learn about
the E-book services the Moline Public Library
offers for card holders; free; for information, call
309-524-2480, Moline Public Library, 3210 41st
St, Moline, IL, http://www.molinelibrary.com,
12pm Thu Dec 1.
Pesticide Applicator Testing, for information,
call 563-359-7577, Scott County Extension, 875
Tanglefoot Lane, Suite B, Bettendorf, IA, http://
dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar, 10am Fri
Dec 2.
Using the Rock Island Libraries New
Catalogs, free; for information, call 309-732-
7323, Rock Island Public Library - Southwest
Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Rd., Rock Island, IL,
http://www.rockislandlibrary.org, 6pm Wed
Dec 7.
Pest Control Operators CIC, $35 if registered
by 11/30/11, $45 afterward; for information, call
563-359-7577, Scott County Extension, 875
Tanglefoot Lane, Suite B, Bettendorf, IA, http://
dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar, 9am Wed
Dec 7.
Project Management: Planning, Execution,
and Control, thru Dec. 9; an extensive overview
of professional project management, including
a project-ready tool kit for initiating, planning,
executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing
out projects within a practical system; $995; for
information and to register, contact Jennifer
Prinz at 563-441-9950 or pd@sau.edu, St.
Ambrose University College for Professional
Studies, 1950 E 54th St, Davenport, IA, http://
www.sau.edu/pdc, 8:30am Dec 7.
ACCEL Program Information Webinar,
for adult learners desiring to complete their
bachelor degree in a flexible evening and
weekend format; the webinar will offer
participants an overview of the programs
unique, discussion-driven learning environment,
and the opportunity to ask questions of program
staff; free; for information, call 563-441-9500 or
Rascal Flatts @ Peoria Civic Center
January 20
e-mail accel@sau.edu, St. Ambrose University,
518 W. Locust, Davenport, IA, http://www.sau.
edu/accel, 12pm Thu Dec 8.
Computer Tutor at Fairmount, on the
2nd Thu. of the month; bring your computer
questions to and a staff person will provide one-
on-one help; learn about Internet searching, e-
mailing, library databases, the library catalog,
and Microsoft Word; free; for information, call
563-326-7832, Fairmount Street Library, 3000
N. Fairmount St., Davenport, IA, http://www.
davenportlibrary.com, 7pm Thu Dec 8.
Downloading eBooks & Audio with
OverDrive, learn how to download free eBooks
and audiobooks onto your portable reading
or audio device with the librarys Overdrive
digital books subscription; bring your Rock
Island Library card, device, owners manual and
a laptop, if you have one; for in formation, call
309-732-7323, Rock Island Public Library - Main
Library, 401 19th, Rock Island, IL, http://www.
rockislandlibrary.org, 6pm Thu Dec 8.
Emerald Ash Borer Management Seminar,
hosted by the University of Illinois Extension and
the Illinois Department of Agriculture; topics
include: EAB look-a-likes, Ash tree identification,
Ash tree and wood disposal and M2UTiHLizR
(Municipal Managers Urban Timber Harvesting
for Hardwood Lumber Utilization and Recovery),
recommended tree replacements, and wood
movement quarantine and restrictions; for
information, call 309-756-9978, WiFi Community
Center, 405 N. Galena Ave., Wyoming, IL, http://
www.IllinoisEAB.com, 10am Thu Dec 8.
Holiday Plant Care and Decorating Safety
Class, taught by U of I Extension horticulture
educator Martha Smith; learn how to take care
of your poinsettia, amaryllis, holiday cactus, and
fresh-cut arrangements; safety and decorating
tips like these will also be shared; $17-20; for
information or to register, call 309-756-9978,
College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 501-S
College Ave., Aledo, IL, http://web.extension.
illinois.edu/hmrs, 1pm Tue Dec 13.
Woven Stool, the seat will be woven using
100% cotton webbing, with several color choices
available; $40; for information, call 309-732-
7275, Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center,
4303 24th St., Rock Island, IL, http://www.rigov.
org, 5:30pm Tue Dec 13.
Using the Rock Island Libraries New
Catalogs, free; for information, call 309-
732-7323, Rock Island Public Library - Main
Library, 401 19th, Rock Island, IL, http://www.
rockislandlibrary.org, 3pm Tue Dec 13.
Holiday Plant Care and Decorating Safety
Class, taught by U of I Extension horticulture
educator Martha Smith; learn how to take care
of your poinsettia, amaryllis, holiday cactus, and
fresh-cut arrangements; safety and decorating
tips like these will also be shared; $17-20; for
information or to register, call 309-756-9978,
Geneseo Community Center, 541 E. North St.,
Geneseo, IL, http://web.extension.illinois.edu/
hmrs, 1pm Wed Dec 14.
Computer Tutor at Eastern, on the 2nd Wed.
of the month; bring your computer questions to
and a staff person will provide one-on-one help;
learn about Internet searching, e-mailing, library
databases, the library catalog, and Microsoft
Word; free; for information, call 563-326-7832,
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Ave. Branch,
6000 Eastern Ave., Davenport, IA, http://www.
davenportlibrary.com, 1pm Wed Dec 14.
St. Ambrose ACCEL Degree-Completion
Program, adult learners desiring to complete
their bachelor degree in a flexible evening and
weekend format are invited to learn more about
the St. Ambrose University ACCEL program;
the session will offer participants an overview
of the programs unique, discussion-driven
learning environment, and the opportunity
to ask questions of program staff; free; for
information or to register, call 563-441-9500 or
e-mail accel@sau.edu, St. Ambrose University
Professional Development Center, 1950 E. 54th
St., Davenport, IA, http://www.sau.edu/accel,
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7, 2011 35 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
Theatre
Comedies and Dramas
December through February
P
rior to Davenport
Junior Theatres
February 18 debut of Mia
the Melodramatic an
adaptation of the childrens
book written by Eileen
Boggess, whos a former
Junior Theatre kid herself the organizations
students will participate in the December 11
holiday production All I Really Need to Know
I Learned in a Bad Play. I think I speak for all
theatre folk when I respond to that title with four
words: Aint it the truth! Im predicting, though,
that audiences will also be getting a lot from
really good plays this season, at least based on
our areas promising lineup of winter comedies
and dramas. The interactive-whodunit group Its
a Mystery, for example, will find its comedians
offering two dinner-and-a-murder outings, with
Bettendorf s Lodge Hotel housing A Passion
for Murder (December 9), and Skellingtons Last
Resort (December 16, January 13, and February
17) being staged fittingly enough at Rock
Islands Skellington Manor. More laughs will come
courtesy of the District Theatres show-biz comedy
Scenery (opening February 9) and the Prenzie
Players Molire farce Tartuffe (opening December
2), while St. Ambrose University premieres a new
comedy with The Plagiarists (February 24 through
26). Humor mixed with sentiment will be on hand
in the Ohnward Fine Arts Centers On Golden
Pond (February 10 through 12), while a little bit
of everything will likely be found in New Ground
Theatres trio of debuting one-acts, staged under
the blanket title Bad Habits (opening January 19).
Theatre Cedar Rapids goes Wilde and no, thats
not a misspelling with the Oscar Wilde comedy
The Importance of Being Earnest (opening January
27) and the Wilde biography Gross Indecency: The
Three Trials of Oscar Wilde (opening February
10), with Anamosas Starlighters Theatre offering
a stage adaptation of Louisa May Alcotts beloved
Little Women (opening December 2). Another
literary classic gets a theatrical treatment when
the Playcrafters Barn Theatre presents the Anne
of Green Gables sequel Anne of Avonlea (opening
January 13), and classics dont get more classical
than Hamlet, which the University of Iowa
opens on December 1, followed by the schools
production of Sarah Ruhls Victorian comedy In
the Next Room: Or, the Vibrator Play (opening
February 10). A recent drama is offered in Iowa
Citys Dreamwell Theatre staging of Sans Merci
(opening February 10), while a Tony-winning
smash arrives locally in the Curtainbox Theatre
Companys Equus (opening February 16). Finally,
beginning January 27, Augustana College will
take on Paula Vogels Pulitzer Prize-winning
How I Learned to Drive. And if you think one of
its actors appears a little ... well ... older than his
co-stars, know that the guys there as a guest of the
school, and its been 22 years since he was last on
the Augie stage, and he only looks old because hes
probably exhausted from working at the Reader
full-time, and ... ! Never mind. Mike Schulz
5:30pm Wed Dec 14.
Computer Tutor at Fairmount, on the
3rd Thu. of the month; bring your computer
questions to and a staff person will provide one-
on-one help; learn about Internet searching, e-
mailing, library databases, the library catalog,
and Microsoft Word; free; for information, call
563-326-7832, Fairmount Street Library, 3000
N. Fairmount St., Davenport, IA, http://www.
davenportlibrary.com, 1pm Thu Dec 15.
GIS/GEOSPATIAL, a tele-institute course;
participants will learn how GIS mapping software
can be utilized to increase the efficiency of
government operations, and hear about how GIS
is being implemented in support of statewide
broadband mapping, outreach, and adoption
efforts; for information and to register, call 309-
756-9978, Rock Island County Extension, 321 W
2nd Ave, Milan, IL, http://web.extension.illinois.
edu/hmrs, 3pm Thu Dec 15.
Holiday Plant Care and Decorating Safety
Class, taught by U of I Extension horticulture
educator Martha Smith; learn how to take care
of your poinsettia, amaryllis, holiday cactus, and
fresh-cut arrangements; safety and decorating
tips like these will also be shared; $17-20; for
information or to register, call 309-756-9978,
University of Illinois Extension, 4450 Kennedy
Drive Suite 3, East Moline, IL, http://web.
extension.illinois.edu/hmrs, 1pm Fri Dec 16.
A Natural Holiday, learn to make recyclable
wrapping paper and gift bags using fabric as
a reusable wrapper; all materials provided;
for information, call 563-652-3783, Hurstville
Interpretive Center, 18670 63th St., Maquoketa,
IA, http://www.jacksonccb.com, 2pm Sun Dec
18.
Computer Tutor at Eastern, on the 2nd Wed.
of the month; bring your computer questions to
and a staff person will provide one-on-one help;
learn about Internet searching, e-mailing, library
databases, the library catalog, and Microsoft
Word; free; for information, call 563-326-7832,
Davenport Public Library - Eastern Ave. Branch,
6000 Eastern Ave., Davenport, IA, http://www.
davenportlibrary.com, 7pm Wed Dec 28.
January & February
Resume Help with Christine Caves, the
Outreach Coordinator from Ashford University
is available for one-hour appointments to help
you polish your resume; bring your resume or a
chronological list of employers, complete with
dates and job titles, and Ms. Caves will help you
craft a resume designed to show you in your best
light; please bring a flash drive as well, so you
can save your resume and easily update it; for
information and to schedule an appointment,
call 563-344-4179, Bettendorf Public Library,
2950 Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA, http://
www.bettendorflibrary.com, 9am Mon Jan 9
thru Tue Jan 10.
3-Day Leadership Through People Skills
Training, an intensive, three-day learning
experience that transforms managers into
leaders by creating the skills necessary to meet
todays business challenges and turn vision into
reality; offered as a non- or for-credit course;
$1,295; for information or to register, call 563-
441-9500 or e-mail pd@sau.edu, St. Ambrose
University Professional Development Center,
1950 E. 54th St., Davenport, IA, http://www.sau.
edu/pdc, 8am Mon Jan 9.
Pr i vat i zat i on/ I nt er gover nment al
Agreements, a tele-institute course presented
by the University of Illinois Extension Local
Government Information & Education Network
and the Illinois Association of County Board
Members and Commissioners; for information
and to register, call 309-756-9978, Rock Island
County Extension, 321 W 2nd Ave, Milan, IL,
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/hmrs, 3pm
Thu Jan 19.
Certified Master Gardener Training, Fridays
thru Apr. 6; the course will cover the follow such
topics as botany, soils, pathology, herbaceous
ornamentals, entomology, landscape principles,
ornamental grasses, woody ornaments,
vegetables, fruits, turf grass, problem solving,
and pesticide safety; $225, with a $50 refund
given following the end of the course; for
information and to register, call 309-756-9978,
ext. 19, Rock Island County Extension, 321 W
2nd Ave, Milan, IL, http://web.extension.illinois.
edu/hmrs, 9am Fri Jan 20.
Getting Started on Your New E-Reader,
learn how to download library e-books to your
new device; free; registration required; for
information, call 309-524-2440, Moline Public
Library, 3210 41st St, Moline, IL, http://www.
molinelibrary.com, 7pm Wed Jan 25.
3-Day Leadership Through People Skills
Training, an intensive, three-day learning
experience that transforms managers into
leaders by creating the skills necessary to meet
todays business challenges and turn vision into
reality; offered as a non- or for-credit course;
$1,295; for information or to register, call 563-
441-9500 or e-mail pd@sau.edu, St. Ambrose
University Professional Development Center,
1950 E. 54th St., Davenport, IA, http://www.sau.
edu/pdc, 8am Mon Feb 6.
Searching the Internet, free; for information
and to register, call 309-732-7330, Rock Island
Public Library - Main Library, 401 19th, Rock
Island, IL, http://www.rockislandlibrary.org,
11:30am Tue Feb 7.
E-mail Basics, free; for information and to
register, call 309-732-7330, Rock Island Public
Library - Main Library, 401 19th, Rock Island, IL,
http://www.rockislandlibrary.org, 2pm Wed Feb
8.
Files, Folders, & Flashdrives, free; for
information and to register, call 309-732-7330,
Rock Island Public Library - Main Library, 401 19th,
Rock Island, IL, http://www.rockislandlibrary.org,
11:30am Tue Feb 14.
Social Media Basics, free; for information
and to register, call 309-732-7330, Rock Island
Public Library - Main Library, 401 19th, Rock
Island, IL, http://www.rockislandlibrary.org, 2pm
Wed Feb 15.
The Importance of Broadband for
Community Survival and How E-Government
is Changing the Way Services are Being
Provided, a tele-institute course presented
by the University of Illinois Extension Local
Government Information & Education Network
and the Illinois Association of County Board
Members and Commissioners; for information
and to register, call 309-756-9978, Rock Island
County Extension, 321 W 2nd Ave, Milan, IL,
http://web.extension.illinois.edu/hmrs, 3pm
Thu Feb 16.
Project Management Institute (PMP) Exam
Prep, thru Feb. 23; become thoroughly prepared
to take the Project Management Institutes
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Certification exam; besides a comprehensive
review of the PMBOK Guide, participants will
receive additional information that has appeared
in the general knowledge section of the exam;
$995; for information or to register, call 563-
441-9500 or e-mail pd@sau.edu, St. Ambrose
University Professional Development Center,
1950 E. 54th St., Davenport, IA, http://www.sau.
edu/pdc, 8:30am Tue Feb 21.
Social Media Workshop, a wide-ranging
synopsis of the fundamental and exemplary
application of social media on the web; learn
how social media can enhance credibility,
relationship building, visibility, familiarity
and trust; $199; for information or to register,
call 563-441-9500 or e-mail pd@sau.edu, St.
Ambrose University Professional Development
Center, 1950 E. 54th St., Davenport, IA, http://
www.sau.edu/pdc, 9am Wed Feb 29.
CLA555, LC7UR5, & VN75
Ongoing
Tai Chi, on Wednesdays; $18 for six weeks;
for information and to register, call 563-386-
7477, CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1035
W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA, http://www.
casiseniors.org, 10:30am Wed Nov 23 thru Wed
Nov 30.
Pilates, on Wednesdays; for information, e-
mail qcsoda@gmail.com or call 309-798-0279,
QC SoDa Dance Studio, 1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL,
http://www.qcsoda.com, 5:30pm Wed Nov 23
thru Wed Dec 28.
Tops (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), on
Wednesdays; $1 for CASI members; for
information, call 563-386-7477, CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly Road,
Davenport, IA, http://www.casiseniors.org,
12pm Wed Nov 23 thru Wed Dec 28.
Yoga, on Wednesdays, led by Michelle
Campbell; for information, call 563-322-5354 or
e-mail info@davenportschoolofyoga.com, DSY
Bettendorf, 3420 Towne Pointe Dr., Bettendorf,
IA, http://www.davenportschoolofyoga.com,
7pm Wed Nov 23 and Wed Dec 28.
Zumba Basic, on Mondays & Wednesdays;
$5-6; for information, call 563-386-7477, CASI
(Center for Active Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly
Road, Davenport, IA, http://www.casiseniors.
org, 6:30pm Wed Nov 23 thru Dec 28.
Zumba Gold, on Wednesdays; $2 for CASI
members; for information, call 563-386-7477,
CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly
Road, Davenport, IA, http://www.casiseniors.org,
1pm Wed Nov 23 thru Wed Dec 28.
Hatha & Vinyasa Flow with Elizabeth,
CYT, RYT, on Wednesdays & Thursdays; for
information, call 563-322-5354, DSY Bettendorf,
3420 Towne Pointe Dr., Bettendorf, IA, http://
www.davenportschoolofyoga.com, 8am Wed
Nov 23 thru Thu Dec 29.
Aqua Motion, on Mondays, Wednesdays, &
Fridays; a moderate-intensity class; $6 per visit; for
information, call 309-796-5601, Black Hawk College
- Community Aquatic Center, 6600 34th Avenue,
Moline, IL, 11am Wed Nov 23 thru Fri Dec 30.
Gentle Exercise Class, on Mondays,
Wednesdays, and Fridays; $2 for CASI members;
for information, call 563-386-7477, CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly Road,
Davenport, IA, http://www.casiseniors.org, 9am
Wed Nov 23 thru Fri Dec 30.
Very Gentle Yoga, Wed 9am & 10:45am, Fri 9
& 10:30am; for information, call 563-359-0816,
Unitarian Church of Davenport, 3707 Eastern
Ave, Davenport, IA, http://www.qcuu.org, Wed
Nov 23 thru Fri Dec 30.
Aqua Combo, on Tuesdays & Thursdays; a
moderate- to high-intensity class; $6 per visit; for
information, call 309-796-5601, Black Hawk College
- Community Aquatic Center, 6600 34th Avenue,
Moline, IL, 6pm Thu Nov 24 thru Thu Dec 29.
Early Thursday Morning Yoga, on Mondays,
with Karen Stollon; drop-ins welcome; for
information and to register, call 309-764-
YOGA, Indigo, A Creative Approach to Fitness &
Wellness, LLC, 1621 5th Ave., Moline, IL, http://
www.indigowellness.info, 6:30am Thu Nov 24
thru Thu Dec 29.
Hatha & Vinyasa Flow with Elizabeth, CYT,
RYT, on Tuesdays & Thursdays; for information,
call 563-322-5354, DSY Bettendorf, 3420
Towne Pointe Dr., Bettendorf, IA, http://www.
davenportschoolofyoga.com, 6:30am Thu Nov
24 thru Thu Dec 29.
River City Yogas Morning Yoga Class, on
Tuesdays and Thursdays; grow your practice,
expand your heart, and quiet your mind; bring
a yoga mat; for information, call 563-271-0381,
Bettendorf Community Center, 2204 Grant St.,
Bettendorf, IA, http://www.rivercity-yoga.com,
9am Thu Nov 24 thru Thu Dec 29.
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7,2011 36 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
Tae Kwon Do, on Thursdays; $60/month,
first week free; $10 individual classes by
appointment; for information, contact instructor
Dan Arriola at 773-317-8480 or daniel-arriola@
augustana.edu, The Healing Heart Center, 3481
Utica Ridge Rd., Bettendorf, IA, 6:30pm Thu Nov
24 thru Thu Dec 29.
Zumba, on Tuesdays and Thursdays; laugh
and dance your way to an awesome workout;
$6; for information, e-mail qcsoda@gmail.com
or call 309-798-0279, QC SoDa Dance Studio,
1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.qcsoda.
com, 5:30pm Thu Nov 24 thru Thu Dec 29.
Zumba Gold, on Thursdays; $2-4; for
information, call 563-386-7477, CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly Road,
Davenport, IA, http://www.casiseniors.org,
9:45am Thu Nov 24, 9:45am Thu Dec 1, 9:45am
Thu Dec 8, 9:45am Thu Dec 15, 9:45am Thu Dec
22, 9:45am Thu Dec 29.
Hatha & Vinyasa Flow with Elizabeth,
CYT, RYT, on Fridays; for information, call
563-322-5354, DSY Bettendorf, 3420 Towne
Pointe Dr., Bettendorf, IA, http://www.
davenportschoolofyoga.com, 5:30pm Fri Nov
25 thru Fri Dec 30.
Yoga, on Fridays at 8 & 9:30am, led by Michelle
Campbell; for information, call 563-322-5354 or
e-mail info@davenportschoolofyoga.com, DSY
Bettendorf, 3420 Towne Pointe Dr., Bettendorf,
IA, http://www.davenportschoolofyoga.com,
8am Fri Nov 25 thru Fri Dec 30.
Zumba, on Fridays; relax and enjoy a low-
impact flexibility workout; $6; for information,
e-mail qcsoda@gmail.com or call 309-798-0279,
QC SoDa Dance Studio, 1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL,
http://www.qcsoda.com, 6pm Fri Nov 25 thru
Fri Dec 30.
Yoga Mindfulness, on Saturdays; for
information, call 563-359-0816, Unitarian Church
of Davenport, 3707 Eastern Ave, Davenport, IA,
http://www.qcuu.org, 8am Sat Nov 26 thru Sat
Dec 31.
Simply Meditate Sunday: Buddhist
Meditation, a brief overview of how to do a
breathing meditation, followed by a 10-minute
guided breathing meditation, and an additional
10 minutes allowed for personal meditation;
$5; for information, call 563-322-1600 or e-mail
info@mediateiniowa.org, Lamrim Kadampa
Buddhist Center, 502 1/2 3rd St., Davenport,
IA, http://www.meditateiniowa.org/simply-
meditate, 11am Sun Nov 27 thru Sun Feb 26.
Beginners Bellydance Class, on Mondays;
$8; for information, Musidora4@gmail.com, QC
SoDa Dance Studio, 1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL,
http://www.qcsoda.com, 6pm Mon Nov 28 thru
Mon Dec 26.
Chair Yoga, on Mondays; $30 for 6 sessions;
$5; for information, call 563-386-7477, CASI
(Center for Active Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly
Road, Davenport, IA, http://www.casiseniors.
org, 1:30pm Mon Nov 28 thru Mon Dec 26.
Hatha & Vinyasa Flow with Elizabeth,
CYT, RYT, on Mondays; for information,
call 563-322-5354, DSY Bettendorf, 3420
Towne Pointe Dr., Bettendorf, IA, http://www.
davenportschoolofyoga.com, 4:30pm Mon Nov
28 thru Mon Dec 26.
Yoga, on Mondays at 9am & 5pm; for
information, call 563-359-0816, Unitarian Church
of Davenport, 3707 Eastern Ave, Davenport, IA,
http://www.qcuu.org, Mon Nov 28 thru Mon
Dec 26.
Yoga, on Mondays, led by Michelle Campbell;
for information, call 563-322-5354 or e-mail
info@davenportschoolofyoga.com, DSY
Bettendorf, 3420 Towne Pointe Dr., Bettendorf,
IA, http://www.davenportschoolofyoga.com,
6pm Mon Nov 28 thru Mon Dec 26.
Yoga, on Mondays; walk-ins welcome; bring
a yoga mat; $5; for information, call 563-386-
7477, CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1035
W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA, http://www.
casiseniors.org, 6:30pm Mon Nov 28 thru Mon
Dec 26.
Yoga, on Mondays; with certified instructor
Becky Licandro; $8/session; for information, call
309-788-5433 or e-mail info@center4living.com,
The Center for Living Arts, 2008 4th Ave, Rock
Island, IL, http://www.center4living.com, 6pm
Mon Nov 28 thru Mon Dec 26.
Zumba, on Mondays; relax and enjoy a low-
impact flexibility workout; $6; for information,
e-mail qcsoda@gmail.com or call 309-798-0279,
QC SoDa Dance Studio, 1502 6th Ave., Moline, IL,
http://www.qcsoda.com, 6pm Mon Nov 28 thru
Mon Dec 26.
Buddhist Meditation Class, on Mondays;
each class provides explanations about how to
meditate and a guided breathing meditation;
then an aspect of Buddhism is explained,
followed by another meditation; $5-$10;
for information, call 563-322-1600, Lamrim
Kadampa Buddhist Center, 502 1/2 3rd St.,
Davenport, IA, http://www.meditateiniowa.org,
6:45pm Mon Nov 28 thru Mon Feb 27.
Meditation Class, on Tuesdays; offered
by the Lamrim Buddhist Center; each class
provides explanations about how to meditate
and a guided breathing meditation, then a topic
is discussed such as compassion, love, wisdom,
followed by another meditation; $10/$5; for
information, call 319-351-9893 or email info@
meditateiniowacity.org, Quad City Botanical
Center, 2525 4th Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://
www.qcgardens.com, 6:45pm Tue Nov 29 thru
Tue Dec 27.
Tae Kwon Do, on Tuesdays; $60/month,
first week free; $10 individual classes by
appointment; for information, contact instructor
Dan Arriola at 773-317-8480 or daniel-arriola@
augustana.edu, The Healing Heart Center, 3481
Utica Ridge Rd., Bettendorf, IA, 6:30pm Tue Nov
29 thru Tue Dec 27.
December and January
Genesis Snow Ball, gala event sponsored by
the Genesis Center for Weight Management; with
live entertainment by Chicagos Green Thirteen,
dancing, healthy, Davenport RiverCenter, 136 E.
3rd St, Davenport, IA, http://www.genesisihealth.
com/snowball, Fri Dec 2.
Indigos 6th Annual Holiday Open
House, with amazing deals on classes, some
great demonstrations, and healthy snacks;
for information and to register, call 309-764-
YOGA, Indigo, A Creative Approach to Fitness &
Wellness, LLC, 1621 5th Ave., Moline, IL, http://
www.indigowellness.info, 3pm Sat Dec 3.
Medicare Q&A with SHIIP, information and
answers to your Medicare questions from a
counselor with SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance
Information Program); free; for information, call
563-344-4187, Bettendorf Public Library, 2950
Learning Campus, Bettendorf, IA, http://www.
bettendorflibrary.com, 9am Wed Dec 7 and Wed
Dec 21.
Nutrition Before, During, and After Cancer
Therapy, a Trinity dietitian will discuss nutrient
needs before, during, and after cancer; information
on common herbal and vitamin supplements and
antioxidants; free; for information, call 309-779-
2000 or 877-242-8899, Trinity Regional Health
System, 5pm Thu Dec 29.
Yoga Teacher Training, 6-month, 200-hour
teacher training program; upon completion
you will be eligible for certification through
the Yoga Alliance as a 200-hr Registered Yoga
Teacher; students will have home assignments,
a minimum of 10 hours of community service,
and will complete apprenticeship hours with
Shannon Moran in various classes; with a
workshop with Suddha Weixler, Director of the
Chicago Yoga Center; $2,500; for information and
to register, call 309-764-YOGA, Indigo, A Creative
Approach to Fitness & Wellness, LLC, 1621 5th
Ave., Moline, IL, http://www.indigowellness.info,
7pm Fri Jan 6.
Healthy New Year! Strategies to Achieve Your
Weight Goals in 2012, dietitian Janet Macon,
MS, RD, LD, will discuss strategies to achieve and
sustain lifestyle goals that promote a healthy
weight; healthy samples will be provided; free;
for information, call 309-524-2470, Moline Public
Library, 3210 41st St, Moline, IL, http://www.
molinelibrary.com, 7pm Wed Jan 11.
0R0UP5
Grief Support Group, on the 2nd & 4th
Wednesdays of the month; donations accepted;
for information, call 563-386-7477, CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly Road,
Davenport, IA, http://www.casiseniors.org,
9:30am Wed Nov 23 thru Wed Dec 28.
Life Skills Group, held every other
Wednesday; for information and a schedule, call
309-762-5433, The Project of the Quad Cities,
2316 5th Ave, Moline, IL, http://www.apqc4life.
org, 10am Wed Nov 23 thru Wed Dec 28.
Moms Group, held every other Wednesday;
for information and a schedule, call 309-762-
5433, The Project of the Quad Cities, 2316 5th
Ave, Moline, IL, http://www.apqc4life.org, 10am
Wed Nov 23 thru Wed Dec 28.
QC Eating Disorders Support Group, on
Wednesdays; for information, call 563-742-5800,
Trinity Enrichment Center, 4622 Progress Dr. # A,
Davenport, IA, http://www.qceatingdisorders.
com, Wed Nov 23 thru Wed Dec 28.
General MDA Support Group, on the 4th
Wed. of the month; for individuals and families
affected by muscular dystrophy; for information,
call 319-393-8905, Trinity 7th Street Campus,
500 John Deere Rd, Moline, IL, Wed Nov 23 thru
Wed Feb 22.
Symptom Management Group, on
Wednesdays; for information, call 309-762-5433,
The Project of the Quad Cities, 2316 5th Ave,
Moline, IL, http://www.apqc4life.org, 1pm Wed
Nov 23 thru Wed Feb 29.
Low-Vision Support Group, donations
accepted; for information, call 563-386-7477,
CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1035 W.
Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA, http://www.
casiseniors.org, 10am Thu Dec 1.
Fibromyalgia Support Group, on the 1st
and 3rd Mondays of the month; for information,
contact Alicia Owens at 563-421-3460, Genesis
@ Maplecrest, 2535 Maplecrest Rd., Suite 14,
Bettendorf, IA, http://www.genesishealth.com,
1pm Mon Dec 5 thru Mon Dec 19.
Caregivers Support Group, donations
accepted; for information, call 563-386-7477,
CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1035 W.
Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA, http://www.
casiseniors.org, 11pm Tue Dec 13.
Caregivers Support Group, donations
accepted; for information, call 563-386-7477,
CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1035 W.
Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA, http://www.
casiseniors.org, 11pm Tue Dec 13.
Parkinsons Support Group, donations
accepted; for information, call 563-386-7477,
CASI (Center for Active Seniors), 1035 W.
Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA, http://www.
casiseniors.org, 10am Sat Dec 17.
Stroke Support Group, for information,
contact Alicia Owens at 563-421-3460, Genesis
@ Maplecrest, 2535 Maplecrest Rd., Suite 14,
Bettendorf, IA, http://www.genesishealth.com,
2pm Wed Dec 21.
5RVlC5
Genesis Blood Pressure Checks, Wed.
9:30am, Tue. & Thu. 12:30pm, free; for
information, call 563-386-7477, CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly Road,
Davenport, IA, http://www.casiseniors.org,
9:30am Wed Nov 23 thru Thu Dec 29.
Shamanic Healing, power animal discovery,
soul retrieval, spiritual counseling, and
ceremonies and rights of passage; services free
to veterans of war; for information, call Kathleen
Collins at 563-332-4361 or e-mail ostrichkc@live.
com, Wed Nov 23 thru Sat Dec 31.
Genesis Foot Clinic, on scheduled Mondays,
Thursdays, and Fridays; $20; reservations
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7, 2011 37 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
required; for information and a
schedule of dates, call 563-386-
7477, CASI (Center for Active
Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly Road,
Davenport, IA, http://www.
casiseniors.org, 8:30am Fri Nov
25 thru Fri Dec 23.
Blood Pressure Checks, on
Mondays; with Dr. Lynn Boegler,
D.C.; free; for information, call
563-386-7477, CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 1035 W.
Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA,
http: //www. casi seni ors. org,
11am Mon Nov 28 thru Mon
Dec 26.
Blood Drive, your last
donation must be on or before
July 25, 2011; walk-ins welcome;
read the Reader in print and
online; for information and
to schedule an appointment,
call 309-736-6635, Bethany for
Children & Families, 1202 W 3rd
St, Davenport, IA, http://www.
molinecentre.org, 10am Mon
Dec 12.
November & December
TRIAD (Reducing Crime Against Seniors),
for information, call 563-386-7477, CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly Road,
Davenport, IA, http://www.casiseniors.org, 9:30am
Wed Nov 23.
Backyard Naturalist, an introduction to the
amazing animals and plants in your backyard
and neighborhood; learn to identify and interact
with the plants and creatures around you; free; for
information, call 563-326-7832, Davenport Public
Library - Eastern Ave. Branch, 6000 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport, IA, http://www.davenportlibrary.com,
1pm Sat Nov 26.
Finding Faith and Fiction in China, author Bo
Caldwell will speak about the intersection of her
own background, faith, and religion, and the clash
of Eastern and Western cultures; refreshments
served; part of the universitys yearlong series,
China Project: The Awakening Dragon; free; for
information, contact Micah Kiel at 563-333-6121,
Rogalski Center - St. Ambrose University, 518 W.
Locust St., Davenport, IA, http://www.sau.edu,
7pm Wed Nov 30.
Iowans Out West: Grizzly Bears in Montana,
register by Nov. 30 for Dec. 3 lecture and dinner;
Iowa DNR District Biologist Curt Kemmerer will
share his experience of researching grizzly bears
out west; $9; for information, call 563-652-3783,
Hurstville Interpretive Center, 18670 63th St.,
Maquoketa, IA, http://www.jacksonccb.com, 4pm
Wed Nov 30.
Stand Next to Me Closely: Literary Collage
and The Vanishing of Camille Claudel, English
instructor and poet Erin Bertram will discuss literary
collage, and examine the iconic and enigmatic
French sculptor who spent the last three decades
of her life in an asylum, committed against her
will; a presentation in the Womens and Gender
Studies Tea Hour Series; free; for information,
contact Keri Rursch at kerirursch@augstuana.edu
or 309-794-7721, Carlsson Evald Hall - Augustana
College, 3601 7th Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://www.
augustana.edu, 4pm Wed Nov 30.
Acts of Faith: Interfaith Leadership in a
Time of Global Religious Crisis, a community
convocation lecture with Eboo Patel, a former
member of the White House Office of Faith-based
and Neighborhood Partnerships, and the founder
and president of the Chicago-based organization
Interfaith Youth Core; free; for information,
contact Keri Rursch at kerirursch@augustana.
edu or 309-794-7721, Centennial Hall, Augustana
College, 3703 7th Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://www.
augustana.edu, 10:30am Thu Dec 1.
Inside the Music:
Masterworks III, lecture and
discussion on the weekends
Quad City Symphony Orchestra
concerts; 5pm hors doeuvres
and cash bar, 5:30pm program;
for information, call 563-322-
QCSO, Hotel Blackhawk, 200 E.
3rd St., Davenport, IA, http://
www.qcsymphony.com, 5pm
Thu Dec 1.
WorldCanvass: Iowa and
Invisible Man, a discussion
of culture, history, literature,
language, politics and art, all
surrounding this international
theme; free, Senate Chamber
of the Old Capitol, 201 S Clinton
St, Iowa City, IA, http://accents.
i nt er nat i onal . ui owa. edu/
worldcanvass, 5pm Fri Dec 2.
Concert Conversations
w/ Kai Swanson, a quick
tour of highlights from the
evenings Quad City Symphony
Orchestra Concerti for Celli
concert, with the conductor and guest artists; free;
for information, call 563-322-0931, ext 16, Adler
Theatre, 136 E. 3rd St., Davenport, IA, http://www.
qcsymphony.com, 6:30pm Sat Dec 3.
Concert Conversations w/ Kai Swanson, a
quick tour of highlights from the evenings Quad
City Symphony Orchestra Concerti for Celli
concert, with the conductor and guest artists;
free; for information, call 563-322-0931, ext 16,
Centennial Hall, Augustana College, 3703 7th Ave.,
Rock Island, IL, http://www.qcsymphony.com,
1pm Sun Dec 4.
Can the environment and cultural treasure
of El Choco be savedfor the residents and
for us?, a community convocation lecture with
documentarian and activist Steve Cagan, who will
discuss the threats to the rainforest culture, as well
as share information on flora, fauna, and aspects
of daily life in El Choco; free; for information,
contact Keri Rursch at kerirursch@augustana.
edu or 309-794-7721, Centennial Hall, Augustana
College, 3703 7th Ave., Rock Island, IL, http://www.
augustana.edu, 10:30am Thu Dec 8.
Hurray for Herps, join a naturalist in learning
about reptiles and amphibians that inhabit Iowa;
live critters will be on display; free; for information,
call 563-652-3783, Hurstville Interpretive Center,
18670 63th St., Maquoketa, IA, http://www.
jacksonccb.com, 1pm Sat Dec 10.
CASI Travelogue: Spectacular Lands &
Wondrous Waters, free for CASI members; for
information, call 563-386-7477, CASI (Center for
Active Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport,
IA, http://www.casiseniors.org, 1pm Mon Dec 12.
Art Bettis, a lecture with Bettis of the UI
Department of Geoscience, presented in the UI
Explorers Seminar Series; free; for information,
call 319-335-0606 or e-mail uimnh@uiowa.edu,
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History, 10
Macbride Hall, Iowa City, IA, http://www.uiowa.
edu/mnh, 7pm Thu Dec 15.
Talk of the Town Presentation, free for CASI
members; for information, call 563-386-7477, CASI
(Center for Active Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly Road,
Davenport, IA, http://www.casiseniors.org, 11am
Wed Dec 21.
Backyard Naturalist, an introduction to the
amazing animals and plants in your backyard
and neighborhood; learn to identify and interact
with the plants and creatures around you; free; for
information, call 563-326-7832, Davenport Public
Library - Eastern Ave. Branch, 6000 Eastern Ave.,
Davenport, IA, http://www.davenportlibrary.com,
1pm Sat Dec 24.
TRIAD (Reducing Crime Against Seniors),
for information, call 563-386-7477, CASI (Center
for Active Seniors), 1035 W. Kimberly Road,
Davenport, IA, http://www.casiseniors.org, 9:30am
Wed Dec 28.
Dario Robletos The Com-
mon Denominator of Exis-
tence Is Loss @ Des Moines
Art Center through
January 15
Continued On Page 42
River Cities Reader Vol. 19 No. 792 Nov. 23 - Dec. 7,2011 38 Business Politics Arts Culture Now You Know RiverCitiesReader.com
to have landed even one of his plays on the
universitys mainstage schedule.
Theyve done student-written works in
the studio space, and when Cory [Corinne
Johnson] originally spoke to me about
doing a show, I assumed thats what we
were talking about. And then she said, Kris
Eitrheim [a St. Ambrose theatre professor
and the mainstage set designer] will be the
scenic director ... . And Im like, For the
studio? Really? He laughs. So I dont know.
Im very excited to be doing this, and I feel
very blessed. But its kind of crazy.
Creative Outlet
While not a theatre major when he first
attended St. Ambrose from 1998 to 2002,
Randolph was a frequent theatre participant,
acting in such university productions as
Macbeth, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, and
Play It Again, Sam. Yet at the time, says the
Davenport resident, he didnt feel a strong
urge to write plays; that came once he
entered the working world.
After I graduated, I was doing all of these
miserable jobs that I hated, says Randolph.
Id been trying to find a career path, but
while I was doing that, I did sales, I worked
in food service ... all these jobs that were
not enjoyable.
I just needed some sort of creative outlet,
he continues. And Ive always enjoyed
writing, but Id never really tried playwriting.
So I just started taking these experiences,
and characters Id meet because in sales
you meet all sorts of weird people and
writing little scenes about them.
THEATRE
St. Ambrose Student Aaron Randolph III Authors Two Wintertime Productions
Playwright at Your Side